For some, the word ‘hospice’ brings to mind an ending. But for thousands of South African families, hospice means comfort, dignity and time.
Also see: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Ensuring the safety of the elderly
Hospice Week runs from 4–10 May 2026, and this year’s theme is simple: Palliative care is everyone’s business. With cancer rates rising, an ageing population and healthcare costs crushing households, palliative care isn’t a “nice to have” anymore. It’s essential.
So what exactly is it?
Palliative care is support for people living with life-limiting illnesses. Think cancer, organ failure, dementia or advanced HIV. It focuses on pain relief, emotional support and quality of life – for patients and their families. It can start from diagnosis, not just the final weeks.
Here’s why it matters more than ever, especially for those who usually carry the caregiving load:
1. Our cancer burden is growing, and it’s hitting us younger
South Africa will see a 78% increase in cancer cases by 2030, according to CANSA. Breast and cervical cancer are the top killers of women here.
Palliative care teams manage pain, nausea and side effects so patients can actually live during treatment, not just survive it. For many, it’s the difference between spending months in a hospital bed vs being at home for birthdays, matric dances and school runs.
2. Most of us can’t afford to get sick
Medical aid? Only 16% of South Africans have it. A private hospital stay can cost R10k+ per day.
Hospice care is often free or low-cost, and 70% of it happens at home. Nurses, social workers and carers come to you. In a cost-of-living crisis, that matters. It keeps families out of debt while giving patients dignity.
3. Women are the default caregivers – and are burning out
Stats SA says women do 3x more unpaid care work than men. When mom, gogo or your sister gets sick, you’re the one managing meds, hospital trips and the emotional load.
Hospice doesn’t replace you. It supports you. They teach you how to turn a patient, manage pain, and they give you respite. Caring for the carer is part of the job.
4. Power outages don’t pause for illness
Try running an oxygen machine or keeping morphine cool during power outages. Hospice teams in SA have adapted.
Many NGOs now provide battery backups, gas heaters and 24/7 phone support. They’re building palliative care for our reality – not a perfect world with constant power. That innovation is keeping people safe at home.
How to support Hospice Week:
1. Donate – Many hospices run “67 minutes” campaigns for Mandela Month, but Hospice Week needs funds too. The smallest donations go a long way in acquiring the basics such as wound care kits.
2. Check on your person – If you know someone caregiving, drop a meal, offer to sit for 2 hours or just listen.
3. Talk to your family – Ask your parents what they want. Write it down. You can also make use of free living will templates.
Palliative care isn’t about giving up. It’s about showing up – for pain, for fear, for the last days and the ones before them. This Hospice Week, let’s stop whispering about it.
Need help? Contact the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) by visiting www.apcc.org.za
Also see: The correlation between ADHD and dementia
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into Click here to join!
