FAQ – My Care

My Care

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a branch of health care that attends to only those with an advanced life-limiting illness. A life-limiting illness is one that has no cure. The focus of this area of care is the patients and their family | whānau’s total care (i.e. physical | tinana, social | whanaungatanga, emotional | hinengaro and spirtual | wairua wellbeing). Care is specific to each person and focuses on helping them to live the best that they can for as long as they are able. This care can be provided in home or in another place (e.g. Te Rangimarie, hospital or long term residential facility). Care is provided by a skilled team of health professionals lead by the specialists in palliative care – in this case, Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki multi disciplinary team.
What does it mean to be referred to Hospice? Does it mean I am dying?

Being referred to Hospice does not necessarily mean that you are dying now. Hospice supports people who are living with a terminal or life-limiting illness, helping them to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
A referral means that your healthcare professional believes you, and the people important to you, may benefit from the specialist care and support Hospice can provide. this might include help with managing symptoms, practical and emotional support, care at home, or support for your family and whānau.

Hospice care is about living – not just about dying. Our focus is on helping you make the most of the time you have, in the way that is right for you.
When someone goes into Te Rangimarie, does that mean they are going to die there?

While some people do spend their final days at Te Rangimarie, this is not the only reason someone may stay. People may come to Te Rangimarie for short-term care to manage symptoms, such as pain or nausea, or to give family and whānau a break through respite care. Once their needs are better managed, many people return home.
What is it going to cost me? How is Hospice funded?

The care that Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki provides is free to patients. Hospice Taranaki has a contract with Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora to provide hospice palliative services to the Taranaki community. This contract only covers about 50% of the cost of providing this service. The rest is funded by the community with donations, income from HospiceShops, grants, fundraising and bequests. Make a donation
What help / services can Hospice be / provide to me and my family?
What is it like staying at Te Rangimarie? Can my family/pet stay with me?

Te Rangimarie is a peaceful, home-like place where people can stay when they need extra care and support from our specialist Hospice team. It has five private rooms, each with its own ensuite, as well as comfortable spaces for family and whānau to spend time together.

And yes – your much-loved family pet can visit. Talk to your Hospice Nurse.
How long can I stay at the Hospice inpatient unit - Te Rangimarie?

As Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki has five beds in Te Rangimarie, we are unable to offer long term care. Admission to Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki is usually on a short term basis, based on need. If you need to stay longer or move to a long term residential facility, you and your family | whānau will be actively involved in the planning stages for this to happen.
When does Hospice help stop?

As part of our care, we realise that the journey of the family | whānau goes on long after their loved one dies. For this reason, Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki bereavement support team keep in touch with the family|whānau to help them adapt to the losses as they move forward in their life without their loved one.
What happens if I'm at home and need help at night or on the weekends?

Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki has a 24/7 phone line that you are able to ring for help- 06 753 7830. If you need further help one of our on call specialist nurses may visit you at home. Sometimes an after-hours doctor, or your GP may also need to be phoned or may need to visit.
Will my GP know what is happening?
Do I have to change doctors if I receive Hospice's care?

You can keep your same GP and use the services of Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki. Hospice works alongside your GP to give you the best care you can have at this time. If you are admitted into Te Rangimarie (Inpatient Unit) our doctors (Medical Officers) will provide the care during your stay and inform your GP of any updates or changes in your care.
Do I have to have cancer in order to receive hospice care?
Can I take natural remedies as well as what Hospice advises?

Many people choose to use natural/alternative/complementary remedies alongside main stream medicine. It is important that you are open and honest with the Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki Team about what you are taking. Sometimes there may be interactions between mainstream medicine and the ones you are taking so it is important that we know so we can research this and advise you about this.
I don't want too many people coming into my home. How do you work with other services?

This time is a hectic time for you and your family | whānau. You will need help at some stage throughout your journey. Hospice works together with other providers of care to minimise the impact of health visitors to your home. If you are feeling swamped, let us know and we can discuss what your needs are at any given time.
If I start morphine, doesn't that mean I am dying?

Not at all. Morphine is one of a range of pain relieving medicines available to help you. Many people are living well with Morphine as part of their medicine regimen. It is not a drug to be feared. Keeping in control of pain using medicines such as Morphine can help to make life more comfortable and allow you to continue to do what you want to in life. If you are prescribed Morphine the nurses/doctors can answer any questions you may have to help alleviate any reservations you may have.

About

Where do I have to go to get Hospice help?
Where is Te Rangimarie Hospice?

Te Rangimarie Hospice, is located at 5 David Street, Westown, New Plymouth 4310.
You can contact us on 06 753 7830.
There are no set visiting hours, and family and friends are welcome to visit. We do recommend talking with the person you are visiting, or their family, about the best times to visit. Rest is important, and sometimes visits can be tiring, so we want to make sure they are getting the time and space they needed.

Learning

Is there a difference between Hospice and the Cancer Society?

Yes. The Cancer Society offers services to the people who are coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in their families. Nurses who are qualified and experienced in cancer care provide support and information to newly diagnosed people and their families. Whereas Hospice cares for all people who have a life-limiting illness. This could be cancer, end stage heart, lung or renal disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS as well as other medical conditions for which there is no cure.
Isn't it true that if I go into Hospice (Te Rangimarie), I won't go home?

Patients with acute needs can be cared for in Te Rangimarie Hospice. Once their condition has improved they may go back home again. Sometimes, carers need a break and admission to the inpatient unit (Te Rangimarie) is a good short-term solution. Patients may also choose to die in Te Rangimarie, if dying at home is not the preferred option or not possible.
Is Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki affiliated with any religious group? My beliefs/culture is very important to me.

Giving / Koha

What does it mean to leave a Bequest?

Support Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki’s vital work by including a provision in your Will. Ensure your Will is legally sound with proper writing and witnessing. To generously donate in this meaningful manner, simply include a special paragraph in your Will. Leaving a Bequest information
Are my donations to Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki tax deductable?
How can my business partner with Hospice?

There are many ways your business can support Hospice, from workplace giving and sponsorship to fundraising, volunteering, donating goods or services, and partnering with us on a specific project or initiative.
Please contact either the CEO, Paul Lamb 0275664866 or the Community Partnerships Lead, Rose Whitaker 027 589 8771.
Who can I talk to about making a larger donation?

We’d love to hear from you. If you’re considering making a larger gift to Hospice, please contact our CEO or Community Partnerships Lead. We can talk with you about what matters to you and how your donation could make a meaningful difference to people and families living with a terminal or life-limiting illness. Contact Paul Lamb, CEO 0275664866 or Rose Whitaker, Community Partnerships Lead 027 589 8771.

HospiceShops

How can I help Hospice? (Goods)
How can I contact a HospiceShop?
Where does the money raised by HospiceShops go?

Every dollar raised through our HospiceShops stays in Taranaki and helps fund free specialist palliative care for local people and their families and whānau.

From care at home and specialist nursing support to equipment and care at Te Rangimarie, your donations and purchases help make Hospice care possible for people living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

When you donate, shop or volunteer at a HospiceShop, you are helping Hospice care continue – right here in our community.

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