Juli McGowan Boit, is the founder of The Living Room International. She continues to care for those who are suffering, is committed to changing lives and brings hope to the weak at heart in Kenya.
Most people are inspired by what Juli and her team are doing. They are living A LIFE WORTH IMITATING. We sought to know how she landed in palliative care and what the she has learnt in this field.
How did you get into palliative care?
I had been living in Kenya for 5 years doing HIV work in the community. Over and over again, I saw suffering and the need for palliative care. Over time, the lack of available, accessible and affordable services made me go into the field. Something needed to be done about the suffering.
How has palliative care influenced your life?
My patients and their families have been some of my greatest teachers in life. Their resilience and faith, in the midst of overwhelming challenge, is incredible. They are so important and valuable and often need to be reminded of it. They are the reason I do this work.
Starting a palliative care program in a rural community in Kenya has stretched me, allowing me to dream as well as see things that seemed impossible come into place. It is the wonderful team that I work with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that has demonstrated what compassion looks like lived out. It is truly my privilege to work alongside of them.
How has your practice in palliative care influenced others in the field including your patients?
Hopefully, upon seeing the work of Living Room, others in the field are able to keep dreaming, trying, and caring. Really, caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients is what makes ALL of the difference. It allows others to experience the love of God in tangible ways. As for patients, our practice has reduced their suffering and helped many to feel accepted and loved. Like the name says, Kimbilio Hospice is a refuge where many run to. Our prayer is that they find hope through our care- whether in life or in death.
How do you rate palliative care in Kenya in comparison to other countries in Africa?
I haven’t worked in other countries in Africa but know that the work Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA) is doing is great! Strengthening systems, providing education and training, advocacy, and quality care- these are all improving and helping Kenyans to receive palliative care. There is still much to be done- so much- but one step at a time, we’ll get there.
Where do you see yourself in palliative care in the near future?
I want to keep fighting for the rights of our patients and providing care for the most vulnerable.
What advice would you give health care providers, who may want to join the palliative care field?
I was recently told, ‘the best we can ever hope to become is a wise student.’ Rather than becoming experts we in the field of palliative care need to become great learners; humble, always ready to listen, disciplined, team players and caring. It isn’t easy, but it is important for the sake of our patients as well as life-changing for us as providers.
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Kimbilio Hospice is a 26 bed, inpatient hospice that houses adults and children living with terminal illness.
The hospice services include: management of pain and other symptoms and provision of psychological, social and spiritual support.
Within this facility, counseling services are available to support families during the patient’s illness and bereavement and a training institute for health care workers, caregivers, and community members to be empowered with knowledge and skills in palliative care services.
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