Access Support

Hospice in the Home

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, a strong support system is needed when caring for someone at the end of their life. Without it, the chance of dying in hospital or aged care greatly increases.

Hospice in the Home was designed to be the “village” that makes home-based care a viable choice for people at the end of life. Our specially trained volunteers provide practical and emotional support, companionship and carer respite that complements medical care and lightens the load on family and friends in the caregiving role.

The service is easily accessible and flexible to ensure that each person and family we assist get the support they need, when they need it most, including evenings, weekends and even overnight. Most importantly there is no charge, or requirement to have a funding package through My Aged Care, NDIS or any other government agency.

Accessing Support

Hospice in the Home is available to support the care of adults with a terminal or life-limiting condition that make them likely to be in the last year of their life.

While based in Warrnambool, Hospice in the Home is also available in surrounding areas within the Moyne and Corangamite shires including Port Fairy, Koroit, Mortlake, Terang, Camperdown Timboon and Cobden.

Anyone wishing to access the service for themselves or someone they are caring for, can easily self-refer.

What is the process involved?

Referral

Formal or self-referrals can be made by contacting the Support Coordinator by:

mobile phone on 0488 271 224, or

via email to support@wdchospice.org.au

Home Assessment

The Support Coordinator will visit the person or family wishing to access support in their home, to discuss their needs and how we may be able to assist.

Starting support

The Support Coordinator will develop a support roster and assign a volunteer or small team of volunteers that are a good fit.

Barry & Mary’s Story

After a decade of caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s disease, Mary received the devastating news that Barry also had terminal pancreatic cancer. While their children helped when they could, with their busy work and family lives it was clear that Mary would need more support to keep her beloved Husband at home with her.

Accessing Hospice in the Home brought volunteer, Fred into their lives. Barry loved going out for drives with Fred while Mary had a break from her demanding caring role. Mary greatly appreciated the chance to relax at home, read a book or get out the house, as well as the regular check ins and support she received from the Hospice Support Coordinator.

While they were only involved with Hospice in the Home for a few months before Barry passed away, Mary and her family acknowledge that the support enabled them to keep Barry at home where he was comfortable and happy.