HOW DO WE DO IT?

 

HOSPICE OFFERS

¨          A specialised palliative care service in the home.  Hospice nurses are available during the day and  may be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any emergencies

¨          A multidisciplinary approach that works alongside your own doctor, district nurses, Cancer Society etc.

¨          Access to Hospice Medical Director

¨          Access to North Shore In-patient Unit for respite care and symptom control (relief care in a home-like environment)

¨          Spiritual and emotional support 

¨          Volunteers who have been trained to assist in the care of the patient.  Hospice is able to assist with the provision of transport for specialist appointments, relief for the caregiver, etc.

¨          Free loan of specialised equipment needed for nursing care

¨          Support for the family in the home by a team of experienced, trained and caring individuals

¨          Night sitting to relieve the caregiver for short periods

¨          Aromatherapy sessions for patients (up to 6 free sessions

¨          Biographies

¨          Social needs are assessed and addressed where necessary

¨          “Daybreak” - a weekly patient meeting which allows caregivers time-out and provides patients with a chance to talk to others in similar situation

¨          Carer Support Group—a weekly support group for caregivers.  An opportunity to share and learn

¨          “Stepping Stones” - a weekly bereavement support group

¨          Grief support from our experienced coordinator and a large team of trained helpers

¨          Education of patients/families, other providers, the community.

 

 

WHAT IS DAYBREAK?

An opportunity for patients to gather socially on a regular basis and meet with others who are also facing terminal illness.  This also provides a break for the caregiver and gives them some time for themselves.

Our nurses often attend our Daybreak programme and this gives patients the chance to talk about their illness with both the nurse and other patients.  Daybreak currently operates on Friday mornings and morning tea and lunch are provided.

 

WHAT IS CARER SUPPORT?

An opportunity for carers to gather socially on a regular basis and provide mutual support to others in a similar situation.  A nurse coordinates the group and caregivers have the opportunity to ask questions, establish the way forward and plan how to cope.  Carer support also operates on Friday mornings and carers may join the Daybreak patients for lunch if they choose.

 

WHAT IS GRIEF SUPPORT?

Grief support is a caring support and practical assistance service provided for families.  Grief support is available before, during and after the death of the patient.  Coming to terms with the imminent death and life after the death of a family member may take some time and during this period Hospice provides ongoing care and support.  Personal grief counseling is also available.

 

WHAT IS STEPPING STONES?

A bereavement support group that meets every week with our trained volunteers.  Here you will find an opportunity to discuss any problems with which we can help - you will find much laughter, some tears, plus a great sense of empathy and support.

 

Various speakers address the group, outings are arranged, but often people are happy to just sit and talk.

Stepping Stones meets every Thursday 10.00am to 1.30pm.  Morning tea and lunch are provided. 

 

 

Education Programme

Specialist palliative care training for our nurses

Hospice orientation for volunteers

      In-house courses for-:

 Homecare volunteers; Grief Support volunteers; Shoppe volunteers.