There are various opportunities available to patients, their caregivers, and family/whanau to access support through Hospice Whanganui.
Social Work:
Our Social Worker assists with the many practical issues facing patients, and their whānau, with empathy, respect and sensitivity.
They will assess the needs of both patients and whānau to understand what support is currently in place and what extra support may be needed. This includes helping with conflict resolution and whānau meetings, financial problem solving, accessing equipment, practical support and helping obtain entitlements to assistance.
Our Social Worker will:
- Provide information about community resources and services
- Convey key information on behalf of your whānau to the hospice team and other health professionals
- Liaise with community agencies to ensure services are available at the right time and that agencies have an understanding of your palliative condition
- Help with advanced care and funeral planning
- Provide guidance on future care options at home or in Residential Care facilities
- Advocate for you with government agencies like Ministry of Social Development (WINZ), Housing New Zealand, ACC and Oranga Tamariki, to name but a few.
- Facilitate meetings to support your whānau to understand medical information and palliative care, and to help with challenging conversations about death, dying and end of life.
Bereavement support is also part of the role of the social worker.
Support may be short or long-term as needed.
Chaplaincy Service:
Chaplains are trained to help people of all faith backgrounds, including those who do not identify with any spiritual group.
Hospice chaplains provide spiritual support in ways unique to each person’s own set of values and morals that are most important to him or her.
If an individual draws spiritual strength from nature, or a network of family and friends, chaplains seek more avenues for the person to connect in the way that is most helpful to the person.
This type of support can make all the difference as an individual and their family members face the challenges of end of life.
Hospice chaplains promote caring for the whole person.
While Hospice chaplains may not have all of the answers, they specialise in listening and recognise that asking the thoughtful questions is an important part of moving toward peace during this delicate time in life.
Bereavement, Grief & Loss Support:
Understanding and managing our grief can be challenging and even difficult. Whanganui Hospice offers several opportunities for those grieving to engage with us and with others learning to navigate grief.
Through the Bereavement Support Service we offer Hospice patients & whanau:
- Bereavement Morning Tea
- Grief Journey Programme
- Remembrance Service – for all community members
- Individual Support/emotional wellness
- Referrals to community counselling and other bereavement supports
If you would like to be contacted once the dates for these have been rescheduled, please email to register your interest: whanausupport@hospicewhanganui.org.nz
Carer Support:
A carer support group is also offered (and encouraged) to caregivers of Hospice Whanganui patients. This three week programme provides support and covers physical aspects of all illnesses and the emotional phases that may occur for carers. The group is facilitated by one of our enrolled nurses and includes discussion with a registered nurse, pastoral care person and input from the social worker.