One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “When should we call hospice?”
Many people think hospice care is only for the final days of life. The truth is, the earlier Hospice Whanganui is involved, the more support we can offer – for patients, whānau, and their wider circle of care.
Hospice care is about life, not just the end
At Hospice Whanganui, care is guided by Te Hau Awe – our patient- and whānau-led model that honours choice, dignity, and mana. Hospice care isn’t just for the last few days. We can walk alongside people for months, sometimes even years, helping manage symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and giving whānau the tools they need to navigate this chapter with confidence.
Signs it may be time to reach out
You don’t have to wait until things feel urgent. Hospice care may help if:
- Symptoms like pain, breathlessness, or fatigue are becoming harder to manage
- There’s a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition
- Whānau are feeling tired or overwhelmed with caregiving
- Emotional, spiritual, or cultural support would help
- A patient or whānau simply wants to understand their options
How to access hospice
Referrals usually come through your GP, specialist, or hospital team – but anyone can contact Hospice Whanganui for a kōrero about whether hospice might be right for them.
“One of the biggest regrets we hear is, ‘I wish we’d called hospice sooner.’ Early support makes the journey lighter for everyone.”
– Hospice Whanganui Clinical Team
Why sooner is better
Getting Hospice Whanganui involved earlier means:
- More time to manage symptoms well
- More support for whānau and carers
- More opportunities to plan ahead with choice and dignity
- More space for what truly matters
💛 Hospice care is about living well, right to the end. The right time to call is as soon as you or someone you love is facing a life-limiting condition.
👉 Learn more about our services or talk to your GP about a referral today.