Frequently Asked Questions
Q . Where is the Hibiscus Coast Hospice?
A . Our administrative headquarters are at the James Centre, 38 Pohutukawa Avenue, Orewa. We do not have a residential facility. Our patients are cared for by our nurses in their own homes. Our nurses are available for emergencies 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Q . What happens if a patient cannot be cared for in their own home?
A . If the patient is unable to stay at home because their illness becomes unmanageable they may be admitted to the In-patient Unit at the North Shore Hospice, 7 Shea Tce, Takapuna or the North Shore Hospital. If they are unable to be managed at home because of family commitments, family dynamics or just family not being able to cope, we would look at long term care either in a Private Hospital e.g. North Haven or a Nursing Home.
Q . People go to Hospice to die don't they?
A . NO. Our specially trained Palliative Care nurses focus on comfort and quality of life. They control symptoms and alleviate pain and we assist families as they come to terms with the impending changes in their lives - including grief and bereavement support. We offer a wide range of services to assist patients and families. According to statistics more patients die at home than Hospice.
Q . Is the Hospice owned by the Hospital or the Government?
A . Neither. The Hibiscus Coast Hospice is owned by the Hibiscus Coast community and operated on your behalf by a Charitable Trust.
Q . What is the cost of a Hospice nurse visit?
A . Hospice services are available to all the terminally ill in our community at no cost to the patient or their families.
Q . Where does the money come from? Nothing is free!
A . Currently less than a half of our funding comes from a government grant via the District Health Board. The remainder comes from our community - nearly a half from our Shoppes and the balance from Trusts, Friends and Donors, special projects such as a Night to Remember dinners, sale of greeting cards etc.
Q . What are Hospice Shoppes?
A . People assist us by donating clothes, furniture, and household items they no longer need. These are then sold through our Shoppes which are staffed entirely by volunteers.
Q . Do you just care for older patients?
A . No. Our patients have ranged in age from 6 weeks to 99 years. Regrettably we have a number of patients in their 30's and 40's and many with children.
Q . Do you only take cancer patients?
A . No. Anyone suffering from a terminal illness - heart disease, M.S., Motor Nuerone Disease, AIDS etc.
Q . Hospice must be a depressing place to work?
A . Absolutely not. We have a magnificent team of very positive, caring and sharing people - and we have a wonderful time together. Our nurses and homecare volunteers are there to assist our patients and enhance the quality of their remaining life. Their care embraces the physical, social, emotional and spiritual elements of well being of the patients and their carers and our caring and sharing can be wonderfully rewarding. Yes it does have its sad times and yes it can be very emotionally draining - we must take care and time-out to look after ourselves - but as with most giving, the returns and rewards far exceed the input.
Q . How can I help Hospice?
A . Volunteer your services as a caregiver or Shoppe helper etc.; ..............
Bequest - add a codicil to your Will ;
Friend - join for $30 annual subscription;
Donate goods to our Shoppes and/or become a Shoppe Customer.
