One family. Two losses. Two very different journeys.
At Hospice Whanganui, every journey is unique. Each whānau we walk alongside entrusts us with something deeply personal – the care of someone they love.
This story, shared with permission, reflects the courage, honesty, and aroha that shape the experiences of those we are privileged to support.
Returning Home
The family’s first experience with Hospice Whanganui began when a loved one was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition.
After living in Canada for more than 40 years, she returned home to Aotearoa following her diagnosis – bringing with her a clear understanding of her options, and a strong sense of what mattered most to her.
While Assisted Dying has been part of Canadian legislation since 2016, it has only been legal in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2021. For this whānau, navigating this pathway was new, complex, and deeply personal.
Once their loved one made her decision, she remained unwavering, and Hospice Whanganui honoured her wishes with compassion and respect.
“From the very first assessment, Hospice provided practical and compassionate support.“
Finding Calm in Uncertainty
During a time filled with emotion and uncertainty, small moments of connection became deeply meaningful.
The whānau were introduced to Hospice Chaplain, Nelda, and her gentle dog Otto.
Their quiet presence brought a sense of calm and comfort that has stayed with the family ever since.
The initial assessment process also provided practical guidance and thoughtful, creative ways to support their loved one at home – helping the whānau feel more confident in how they could care for her.
Alongside this, the chaplain’s support offered something just as important: space to talk, reflect, and process.
Her listening ear and gentle guidance helped the family navigate complex emotions and difficult decisions.Supporting Choice, Holding Space
Assisted Dying is a sensitive and often challenging topic – within families and across the wider community.
At times, external pressures created tension for the whānau.
Through it all, Hospice Whanganui provided steady, balanced support – helping to ease the weight of those moments and bring clarity when it was needed most.
Through their guidance, we were able to gain clarity, to recognise that this was our loved one’s journey, and that our role was to support her choices with love and respect.
Walking Alongside, Whatever the Path
At Hospice Whanganui, care is always guided by the individual – their values, their wishes, and what matters most to them.
For this whānau, that meant being supported to walk a path that required courage, honesty, and deep compassion for one another.
It’s a reminder that hospice care is not one-size-fits-all.
It is about holding space, offering support, and walking alongside whānau, whatever their journey may look like.
👉 Learn more about Hospice Whanganui’s care and support services:
https://hospicewhanganui.org.nz/about-us/