Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for checking out our FAQ's. Hopefully you will find the answers that you are looking for here - but if not, don't hesitate to call us at Hospice House on 09 834 9750

What is Hospice West Auckland?

Hospice West Auckland is a registered charitable trust that was set up in 1987. We offer free care and services to people in West Auckland who need support, care and advice during life-limiting (terminal) illness. Our care extends to families/whanau and carers as well as patients.

What does “Hospice” mean?

Hospice is a philosophy of care which focuses on supporting the needs of people who have a life-limiting (or terminal) illness.

The concept of Hospice has been evolving since the 11th century.  Then, and for centuries thereafter, Hospices were places of hospitality for the sick, wounded or dying.  The original name ‘Hospice’ means “A place of rest for weary travelers”.

The modern concept of Hospice includes palliative care for the incurably ill in hospitals, nursing homes, institutions and in the community.  Many of the foundational principles by which modern Hospice services operate were pioneered in the 1950s by Dame Cicely Saunders.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care  is the care of people who are dying from active, progressive diseases or conditions that are not responsive to curative treatment. Palliative care embraces the physical, social, emotional and spiritual elements of wellbeing – tinana (body/self), whanau (family), hinengaro (mind) and wairua (spirit/soul). Palliative care aims to enhance a person’s quality of life while they are dying and supports the patient’s caregivers and bereaved family/whanau.

Who qualifies for Hospice West Auckland care? 

People can access specialist palliative care services if they are assessed & accepted as having a life-limiting condition, with a life expectancy of less than 12 months and a complex or high palliative care need. A patient need not be diagnosed with cancer to receive Hospice care; patients with other life limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease and Respiratory Disease may also receive care.

Referrals are accepted from General Practitioners, other healthcare providers, hospital clinical teams, residential care facilities or from the patient or their family/whanau/carers. The patient must consent to referral.

How can I get Hospice West Auckland care? 

The most usual way is to request a referral through your GP or primary health care provider. You can also download a referral form online, by clicking here - or call us 09 834 9755 to find out more.

When should I contact the Hospice to talk about care?

The best time is when you or your loved one has first been diagnosed with a life expectancy of twelve months or less. It’s a good idea to contact us sooner rather than later, as this will give you an opportunity to learn about and really utilise the services which Hospice offers. It may be that we provide advice and support for a period of time and, if symptoms resolve for some time, we discuss discharge from our services. In this case, you can be referred again later if our services are required again.

Why should I consider Hospice West Auckland care for myself / my family member / my friend? 

Our unique blend of care services extends to families and caregivers and we offer holistic support both at Hospice House and in the home.  Our assistance is practical, physical, emotional and spiritual. 

We care about quality of life, dignity and comfort at the end of life and aim to provide help and support to those loved ones who will be left behind.

Do I still see my GP?

Yes.  Your GP is still your primary health care provider. Hospice West Auckland works closely with your GP and other health care providers, such as District Nurses and specialists.

Does the Hospice provide prescriptions to me?

No, your GP will continue to prescribe your medication. However, our nurses will communicate with your GP, where required, regarding your medications.

What sort of services does Hospice West Auckland provide?

Hospice West Auckland provides an integrated approach of medical and complementary treatments. Alongside up-to-the-moment medical treatments, we also offer acupuncture, massage, art therapy and aromatherapy.  Hospice West Auckland also provides social services support, family support, bereavement counselling and spiritual support. 

Who works at the Hospice?

Medical staff, specialist palliative care nurses, health care assistants, social workers and counsellors, art therapists, complementary therapists, a spiritual care coordinator, educators and coordinators, administrators, volunteers, a fundraising team, a business manager and a CEO.

Where do patients and their families receive care?  

If you are well enough, you will be invited to come into Hospice House, otherwise we can visit you in your own home. Many people meet at Hospice House for complementary therapies and support groups and these are always done in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Does Hospice West Auckland have inpatient beds?  

At present we don’t have an inpatient facility based in West Auckland, however we can arrange inpatient Hospice care at North Shore Hospice or Hibiscus Hospice.

If a patient goes into a Hospice as an inpatient, is this because s/he is going to die?

No. People go into Hospice for many reasons including respite care and pain and symptom management. Often a short stay can be enormously beneficial in helping with medication management and hence, improving quality of life.

People sometimes request to go into a Hospice to die and this wish is carried out, where possible.

Is it possible to be discharged from Hospice care?

Yes.  Sometimes people have remission (meaning they do not have symptoms for some time) and so they can be discharged from Hospice care.

How long is the usual duration of Hospice care?

There is no correct answer here, as it depends on how soon patients are referred to us.  Sadly, some people are in our care for a very short time, and others are with us for a year or more.

What happens if I die at home?

Most people prefer to die in their own home.  Your GP and specialist palliative care nurse will care for you, and your nurse will provide all of the information that you will need at the time. 

Do I need to pay for Hospice care?

No. All care provided by Hospice West Auckland at no cost to the patient and their carers and family/whanau.  

How is Hospice funded?

A portion of our funding comes through the Waitemata District Health Board. The remainder needs to be fundraised through donations, grants, trading income from our Hospice shops, events and sponsorship. Hospice West Auckland needs to raise around $1.75 million annually to continue to provide our services to the people of the Greater West Auckland region.

What happens to money I give to Hospice West Auckland?

In 2009, 80% of donations received were applied directly to service provision. These donations go to the general or operating fund which helps to cover day-to-day real expenses, such as keeping cars and medical equipment serviced.

What if I leave money in my will or request “donations to Hospice West Auckland in lieu of flowers”?

This type of donation goes into a foundation trust fund, of which Hospice West Auckland are the sole beneficiary.  That means that your gift is a ‘gift for life’ and the funds are not used for day-to-day operating costs.  Hospice West Auckland may apply (to the trustees of the fund) for interest payments from the perpetual fund.

How can I help to support Hospice West Auckland?

There are many ways you can help, such as giving a one-off (or regular) monetary donation, organising a private fundraising event at your home or workplace, supporting our donation appeals and events, becoming a volunteer, or donating your quality, pre-loved items to our Hospice shops.  If you choose to, you can organise to leave a bequest in your will or ask that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made at your funeral.

We appreciate you telling your friends, family/whanau, colleagues and neighbours about the work Hospice West Auckland does in your community.

 

I have more questions. How do I find the answers?

Every person is unique and will have questions specific to their own personal situation. 

If you would like to know more about Hospice West Auckland, we welcome you to contact us directly on 09 834 9750, or via email: info@hwa.org.nz

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