|
 Hospice palliative care is a special type
of care for people whose illness is no longer responsive to
curative treatment. It enables them to achieve the best possible
quality of life during the final stages of their illness. It
includes family support and bereavement services.
Hospice palliative care can be provided in hospice inpatient
units, hospital hospice wards or in a person’s home or place of
residence in the community. Hospice is a concept, a philosophy of
care.
Hospices are for all terminally ill people in need, irrespective
of their religion, race, age or ability to pay. Most patients have
cancer, but patients with other terminal illnesses also receive
care (e.g motor neurone disease, MS, organ failure).
Do you have to pay for hospice palliative
care?
No, hospice palliative care is free of charge to patients and
their families. The cost of care is covered by a contribution from
Government through the Ministry of Health. The rest is raised from
the community through fundraising activities.
Is it true that once you go to a hospice you are unlikely to
leave?
No. Many patients spend a few days in the hospice in-patient unit
for symptom management or respite care to give caregivers a much
needed break. They then return to their homes where their care is
continued. Hospice palliative care does not have to be provided in
a hospice. It is often provided in a person's own home.
Hospice Marlborough Philosophy
- To support and empower the patient and family to participate
in their care and decisions regarding their care
- To assist patients to make the most of life and to ensure
that patients die comfortably, with dignity and in the place of
their choice.
- To provide support and care for the family and close friends
during the patient’s illness and in bereavement.
The vision statement for the hospice is ‘Living
Every Moment’.
The mission statement is ‘Hospice palliative care of a recognised
standard, is provided to all terminally ill patients and their
families/whanau in the Marlborough region’. |
