World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2023: The purpose of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, observed on October 14, is to enhance the quality of life for individuals coping with life-threatening illnesses. This holiday emphasizes that individuals with life-limiting conditions deserve to be cared for in the manner that is most suitable for their requirements. It raises awareness of this conviction in numerous ways, including the biennial occurrence of a series of concerts referred to as Voices for Hospices, which aim to provide entertainment and disseminate happiness. Sheila Horton founded the organization in 1989 with the intention of increasing public awareness and funds for the Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. It expanded from a solitary concert entitled “Come and Sing” to a global phenomenon.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day: A Historical Account
People have suffered from life-limiting illnesses throughout history, but there has not always been a system in place to ensure their solace during their final days. During the nineteenth century, palliative care was predominantly performed by women. They performed altruistic and religious service to the ill throughout continents and countries without any prior acquaintance. Hospice care’s prominence in the twenty-first century can be attributed to the efforts of these women.
As the twentieth century progressed, an increasing number of hospitals initiated hospice care. They gained such critical importance that numerous facilities acquired additional accommodations, and an increased number of individuals contributed to aid the effort. In the nineteenth century, the Sisters of Charity was an Irish organization that assisted the destitute citizens of Dublin; by the turn of the twentieth century, they had expanded their operations to encompass facilities worldwide. St. Joseph’s Hospice, a pivotal institution in the annals of palliative care, was among these.
Cicely Saunders shaped the contemporary notion of hospice care in 1967. Under her leadership, St. Christopher’s Hospice in England was established, and Dr. Saunders was instrumental in popularizing the hospice movement and end-of-life care philosophy on an international scale. During that period in the United States, terminally ill patients were cared for by volunteers, and many followed in her footsteps.
Dr. Declan Walsh founded the inaugural palliative care center located within a hospital setting at the Cleveland Center in 1987. In the 1990s, formal hospice care was authorized by Medicare, and the implementation of such initiatives was accorded greater seriousness. There are currently thousands of hospice organizations worldwide, and the number continues to increase. Since its inception in 2005, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day has continued to thrive.
Bookshop Day 2023: Activities, History, FAQs, Dates, and Facts About the book
Navy Birthday 2023: Activities, Dates, and Facts About U.S. Navy Ship Shape
National M&M Day 2023: Activities, Dates, and Facts About M&M’s
FAQs for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Which varieties comprise palliative care?
Daycare at a hospice, residential palliative care, nursing in a care facility, or hospice at home are the four primary alternatives for end-of-life care.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day are organized by which?
The organization of this day is the WHPCA committee.
Where may I make a donation?
Donations are accepted at www.thewhpca.org/donate.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Activities
A voice that resides within
Attend a Voices of Hospice engagement where you will be serenaded by exquisite music. One may ascertain the proximity of one of the numerous such events taking place worldwide by visiting the website www.thewhpca.org/. You can still view videos of performances and donate to the cause even if you are not in close proximity to one.
Attend a particular event
You are welcome to participate in over a thousand hospice awareness-focused events. In addition to these, there are art exhibitions, cycle rallies, and walk-a-thons to participate in. You can always show support for the community by attending a race as a spectator if you are unable to partake in person.
Maintain contact
By subscribing to the newsletter of the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA), one can obtain campaign updates and resources aimed at promoting hospice and palliative care. Follow and utilize the hashtags #WHPCD21 and #LeaveNoOneBehind21 in order to receive updates and information from others in the community and to engage in conversation.
WORLD HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 14 | Saturday |
| 2024 | October 12 | Saturday |
| 2025 | October 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 9 | Saturday |
| 2028 | October 14 | Saturday |
