Roshni Alumni Association (RAA), Mangaluru, and School of Social Work (SSW), Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, jointly organized the 'Maria Paiva Couceiro Memorial Lecture' on June 6, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. The event took place at Maria Paiva Hall, School of Social Work. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Lavina M Noronha, Director of Ave Maria Palliative Care, Mangaluru. The topic of the Memorial Lecture was 'Hospice Care: Striving for a Dignified End-of-Life.'
Dr. Jacinta D'Souza, former Principal of the School of Social Work, Mangaluru, highlighted the significance of the day. Maria Paiva Couceiro, a Portuguese lady, founded the Daughters of the Heart of Mary Society in Goa in 1952. The society has now expanded to 27 different locations in India, forming two provinces - India North and India South. Maria Paiva Couceiro, along with Marguerida Lancaster, played a crucial role in the society's establishment and was dedicated to serving and working for Indian women. Initially, they focused on providing training courses in Home Science and gradually expanded their work to include income-generating activities. Later, they ventured into higher education by offering professional training for educators and social workers.
Dr. Sophia Fernandes, Principal of the School of Social Work, and Dr. Malini Hebbar, President of the Roshni Alumni Association, expressed their appreciation for the Memorial Lecture. They emphasized that this annual event honors the founder of the School of Social Work, Maria Paiva Couceiro, who displayed remarkable vision and courage in establishing the esteemed institution. They also acknowledged the privilege of having Dr. Lavina M Noronha, an alumna of the institution, as the speaker. Dr. Noronha was recently conferred with the prestigious Basti Vaman Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar for the year 2022 by the World Konkani Centre, recognizing her outstanding contributions to society.
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During her lecture, Dr. Lavina Noronha discussed the concept of hospice care and its focus on providing comfort rather than a cure for patients with a life expectancy of less than six months. She emphasized the importance of preserving a patient's dignity and respect, whether they are receiving care in a hospital or a hospice care center. Dr. Noronha shared real-life examples to illustrate the psychological and existential issues faced by individuals approaching the end of life.
She explained that hospice care is rooted in the philosophy of affirming life and considering dying as a natural process. It neither hastens nor postpones death, and it integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care. Hospice care aims to support patients in living as actively as possible until death while also providing assistance to their families during the patient's illness and in their bereavement. The holistic approach of hospice care addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
Dr. Noronha highlighted that hospice care takes a person-centered approach rather than focusing solely on the pathology. It is often described as a "low-tech, high-touch approach" as it avoids excessive reliance on technology. Patients with various terminal illnesses, such as chronic heart conditions, renal and hepatic diseases, chronic pulmonary disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and neurological conditions, can benefit from hospice care.
She emphasized the importance of preparing individuals to accept their mortality, as hospices consider death to be a part of life rather than something to be feared. Open and transparent communication about prognosis is crucial in healthcare settings. Dr. Noronha encouraged healthcare professionals to honestly communicate with patients, stating, "We may not be able to extend your life, but we can help you live well until death." Maintaining privacy, body image, and dignity become significant concerns for individuals who are no longer able to care for themselves.
Dr. Noronha also discussed the need for addressing existential issues during end-of-life care. Patients often question themselves or their beliefs in the face of suffering. Some prefer to spend time alone in contemplation and reflection, while others may seek connection with deceased loved ones. It is essential to facilitate a smooth transition by addressing these existential challenges. Loved ones should be prepared to say goodbye and respect rituals, beliefs, and practices that help them cope with anticipatory grief.
End-of-life decisions, such as eye or body donation, funeral planning, and burial or cremation arrangements, should be discussed well in advance to relieve loved ones of unnecessary burdens. Dr. Noronha expressed the heartfelt experience of being present during someone's most distressing moments, emphasizing the opportunity to serve with compassion.
The event was hosted by Dr. Ratha Pinto, and UG students from Roshni Nilaya commenced the program with a prayer song. Dr. Malini Hebbar, President of RAA, welcomed the audience, while Mrs. Diana Pinto, a member of the EC, introduced Dr. Lavina Noronha as the speaker. The dignitaries felicitated Dr. Noronha for her exceptional service to humankind. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Laira Pinto, Secretary of RAA.
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