Shalom Delhi was set up in 2001 to provide Care for People Living with HIV/AIDs in Delhi, which was according to all principles and ethos, a Palliative Care program providing holistic care. In 2011 Palliative Care services were expanded to include people with cancer, organ failures and neurological diseases. It targets those people in society who are marginalized, as they are the ones who find it hardest to access care. Hence a large number of Shalom's clients are economically poor, and many have conditions like HIV/AIDS for which palliative care interventions are much needed. It adopts a comprehensive approach in its provision of care, seeking to address the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of its clients and their families. Shalom has a multi-disciplinary team of staff members, providing care in the hospital, home and community settings. Following are the components in Shalom:
Medical Care helps control symptoms like pain, treats infections due to reduced immunity and manages palliative care emergencies. Long term relationships are built with clients and their families. Counseling is provided in areas such as proper adherence to medication, building self-esteem, coping with the illness, managing health problems at home, and improving family relationships. Home Base Care Program(for HIV patients and for Cancer patients) seeks to meet the needs of clients and their families in the setting of their own homes. During home visits the home care team monitors the client’s condition and provides symptom relief, supportive care and counseling. An Adolescent Program for adolescents growing up in families affected with HIV helps mitigate the impact of the epidemic in their lives and provides opportunities for them to develop in a wholesome manner. A Transgender Program offers medical and home based care services for transgenders with HIV, who are a highly marginalized group. A Livelihood Program provides opportunities for women affected with HIV to reconstruct their livelihood through opportunities that provide a fair income, and in conditions that are easily accessible, flexible and supportive to their needs.
The different programs complement each other and work together to constitute the Palliative Care Service provided by Shalom. Through its patient-centered, compassionate, and competent services, Shalom has provided and is continuing to provide much needed palliative care for highly marginalized and under-served sections of urban society.
