Care in the community
Hospice comes to you…
The solace of home, surrounded by loved ones, holds profound significance for individuals navigating a life-limiting illness. We are dedicated to supporting individuals in their homes, fostering an environment that promotes independence.
Our community palliative care team, spanning North, Central, and South Taranaki, comprises nurses, doctors, counsellors, social workers, spiritual carers, pharmacist and volunteers. We offer practical assistance and round-the-clock telephone advice, ensuring a continuous support system for our community.
Regular assessments of patient and family needs guide our approach, allowing us to tailor our support to meet those evolving requirements. We understand the importance of maintaining a sense of normality during challenging times, and our community care initiatives are designed with this in mind.
If you or a loved one are navigating a life-limiting illness, rest assured that our dedicated team is here for you, providing compassionate care and support in the comfort of your own home.
About our community service
The community service provides:
- Home visits for patients living at home.
- You can access 24-hour phone advice by calling 06 753 7830 for a Hospice Nurse.
- Liaison with GP’s and other health professionals involved with the patient’s care.
- Specialised equipment such as beds, mattresses, wheelchairs, etc.
- In Inglewood and Mokau areas home nursing care is provided by district nurses who work in close liaison with the Hospice team.
Equipment loan
When necessary, patients have the option of loaning essential equipment, ranging from beds and wheelchairs to walking aids, chairs, mattresses, commodes, and more.
We understand the importance of having the right support to enhance comfort and mobility.
When you no longer require the loaned equipment, kindly return it as promptly as possible. Given the high demand for the specialised equipment, your timely return ensures that others in need can benefit. Please take care of the equipment while it is in your possession to ensure it remains in good condition for future use.
To arrange equipment loans & returns, discuss your equipment needs with your Hospice Palliative Care Nurse, who can provide guidance and support in accessing the necessary resources.
Obtaining equipment is made as seamless as possible, ensuring that our patients have the tools they need for enhanced comfort.
Support services
Our holistic care extends beyond medical support. Our range of support services aims to enhance the well-being of patients and their families | whānau during challenging times.
Library Resources
Our library is a treasure trove of knowledge and comfort. Patients, families and whānau have access to a diverse collection of resources, including books, pamphlets, CDs, and DVDs. Whether seeking information or a moment of distraction, our library is here to cater to your needs.
Community Team
Our dedicated community team is the heart of our efforts, making approximately 16,000 visits each year. Comprising nurses, doctors, counsellors, social workers, and volunteers, they bring care and support directly to your doorstep.
This commitment reflects our mission to provide personalised assistance that meets the unique needs of each individual and family | whānau.
Wellness clinics
Comprehensive Care Pathways
We offer a range of care pathways tailored to meet the evolving needs of our patients and their carers.
Our commitment to providing personalised and responsive care is reflected in our outpatient clinics, Wellness clinics, and Episodic care services.
Outpatient Clinic
Our medical team is dedicated to reviewing patients and their carers in our outpatient clinic. While the patient’s general practitioner (GP) is the primary medical professional for community care, our hospice doctors collaborate by offering support and periodic assessments.
Communication with the GP or the Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a crucial aspect of our approach, ensuring a unified and coordinated care plan for each patient.
Wellness Clinic Patients
For those whose health shows stability, transitioning to the Wellness Clinic becomes a valuable option. Led by our compassionate nurses, this clinic offers regular phone contact, whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, to monitor the patient’s well-being. As stability is achieved, some patients may move to the ‘Episodic Care‘ category, where contact is initiated only when the patient or carer seeks assistance.
If it is determined that the patient’s condition has significantly stabilised, discussions involving the patient, carer, and the palliative care team may lead to a safe discharge from the hospice service. Importantly, patients always have the option of re-referral if their needs change in the future.
Our aim is to provide flexible and supportive care pathways that adapt to the unique journey of each patient, ensuring they receive the right level of care at every stage.
A resource guide for carers
Download our PDF information booklet offering support for individuals caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. Additional further resources are available here.
