Hospice provides wrap-around support to whānau and friends as they care and grieve for their loved one.
Whānau play a critical role in the support and care for their loved one with a life-limiting illness. We are here to support you too, in a culturally and spiritually sensitive way as you walk this journey.
What to Expect from our Whānau Support Team
When we receive a referral for a patient with a life-limiting illness, our team will come to do an Initial Assessment in their home or wherever they are. We will talk with them and their whānau if that is appropriate, about how they are feeling and anything they may be concerned or worried about. There may be a lot of adjustments that you need to make to support your loved one, and sometimes this can be a challenging journey. We are here to help you through this. As a whānau or friend of a patient in Hospice’s service, you are welcome to reach out to us at any time if you have any questions, concerns or just need someone to talk to.
Some of the ways in which Hospice can support whānau and friends
- Supporting you to help your loved one with managing medications, providing personal cares (such as toileting and washing), eating and drinking, supporting their mobility and helping with all life’s practicalities
- Supporting you to help your loved one work through their will, their finances, funeral arrangements or any outstanding matters important to them
- Providing respite services when you need a break
- Providing emotional and/or spiritual support to you as you walk alongside your loved one, and at times to help facilitate whānau hui to talk through things together
- Running social programmes for whānau and friends to connect with others and have some fun
- Providing grief and bereavement support to you when the time is right
Here when you need us
Hospice has an amazing team of specialist social workers, whānau navigators and chaplains who will work with you in a culturally and spiritually appropriate way to provide the support and advice you need along the way. Our services are available for spouses, partners, children, siblings, friends, neighbours, colleagues or anyone in your wider community who need support. At times, we may talk to you about referring you to another specialist service such as grief counselling if we think this could benefit you.
Our Whānau Support Team work every day Monday to Friday from 8.00am until 4.30pm.
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time when you need support, have a question or just need a listening ear.