Even before I became a nurse, I knew I wanted to work in palliative care. Really, it began when I volunteered at a hospice right after undergrad. Those early experiences, made me realize the power nurses have when caring for patients and families going through some of their hardest times. The power not just in being present, but in advocating for the best care possible. After six years as a bedside nurse, I was ready for a new challenge, which led me to my role as a Palliative Care Coordinator in Rowntree’s Palliative Care Program.
Having lived in Scarborough since 2005 and being Tamil myself, joining SHN has felt like a meaningful way to return to my roots. Scarborough is a special place with a large Tamil community, and caring for patients that remind me of my upbringing holds deep meaning for me. I can see how seeing a familiar face, that understanding the cultural nuances, the language, has shared struggles, and, most importantly, understands the values that shape our approach to family and care brings comfort to patients.
In palliative care, every day is a reminder of the delicate balance between clinical care and empathy. I sit with patients and families, helping them voice their goals and guide them through transitions, whether that’s going home or finding peace in a hospice.
I remember one family in particular—initially, the daughter was afraid, seeing our involvement as a sign of giving up. But with patience, clear communication, and countless small reassurances, she came to trust us. Eventually, her face lit up when she saw me. Even after her mother moved to a hospice, she reached out just to say, ‘thank you’. Moments like those remind me why I do this work.
I love Scarborough for its diversity. Every neighbourhood has something to offer, whether it’s food, activities, or the warmth of its people. At SHN, I’m surrounded by a team as diverse as our community, with new physicians, nurse practitioners, and coordinators all dedicated to supporting our patients. This team helps me ensure no one falls through the cracks during transitions, providing continuity and genuine care.
Supporting the Love, Scarborough campaign is my way of giving back to a community that’s given me so much. I hope my story inspires others to see what makes Scarborough so special—the people, the stories, and the unwavering support we offer one another.
This June is Seniors Month celebrating the theme Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors
For Seniors Month, Tharsika reflects on why it is important to support aging seniors through wellness, social connection, and education, as the Palliative Care Team may also become involved.
“I would say palliative care is not only as many think, just about end of life, but more about how to live life well until the end, which is inevitable. And so, I always flip the narrative when speaking with families who don’t know what we can do – which is managing symptoms and planning for the future. This way we can continue to do the things that bring meaning to our lives, like connecting with our community and continuing hobbies in whatever capacity is possible. Speaking to teams like ours about what is important to us in the long term can serve as a safety net, so if we can’t make decisions at some point, we’ve already communicated that to our family and our provider. That way, we can take that fitness class, celebrate that birthday, join our community in its religious or cultural celebrations, or spend time outside. Make the memories, so there are fewer what if’s down the road” says Tharsika.