Some key facts:
Hospice is not a building; it is a philosophy of care
- The goal of hospice is to help people make the most of their lives; to live every moment in whatever way is important to them.
- The majority of people are cared for in their homes in the community or in residential care facilities.
- Most hospices have inpatient facilities where people go for respite care, symptom and pain management or during their last days.
Hospices provide care for anyone living with a life limiting illness
- Hospice care for anyone with any life limiting illness – for example heart failure, MND, MS or cancer
- Regardless of location, age, religion or race.
Hospice care and support is provided completely free of charge
- Hospices are independent charitable organisations.
- There are 35 hospice services throughout the country all providing a range of services depending on the needs of their local community.
- In 2012 it will cost over $75M to provide hospice care in NZ.
- As an essential health service provider, hospices do receive some funding from Government but financial support from the community is essential to meet the shortfall – in 2012 that total is over $30M nationally.
Hospice care for the whole person, not just their physical needs but also their emotional, spiritual, and social needs too.
- Hospice care for families and friends as well, both before and after a death.
- All hospices throughout NZ share the same vision – anyone who is dying has the opportunity to celebrate their life with the help of hospice
- Most hospices provide or have access to a wide range of services such as spiritual care, day unit programmes, massage, art therapy, music therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy.
Nationally in 2011:
- Approximately 14,000 people received care and support from hospice,
- Over 155,000 visits were made to people in their homes by hospice teams,
- The volunteer workforce gave over 584,000 hours to hospice. Many of the services we provide would not be possible without the support of their huge volunteer team.
Ways YOU can get involved:
- Host or attend an event
In the lead up to Awareness Week the Hospice NZ website will feature a newsfeed of events going on around the country. There are a great number of events planned including open days, memorial services, street appeals, or hosting a Hospice cuppa event. Or look at your local hospice’s website to find out what they have planned.
- Donate goods for Hospice shops
Why not have a clear out at home or at the office and donate all good quality items that you don’t need any more to the local hospice shop.
- Talk about hospice
Tell your family, friends and contacts about your work with hospice, many people don’t know about their work and you can use your experience to be an ambassador and raise awareness.
- Send a free e-moment
You can help to raise awareness of hospice by sending a free e-moment to someone you care about, or share this website link with others www.hospice.org.nz/living-every-moment.
- Follow and Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/hospicenz
- Make a donation
Why not have an office function or competition to raise funds for hospice – have a hospice cuppa, bake sale, jelly bean counting competition, or mufti day.
- Become a volunteer
Volunteers support all aspects of hospice services – some examples include drivers, car cleaners, reception duties, gardening, hosts, shop assistants. Around Awareness Week volunteers are often needed for Street Appeals and other fundraising events.
Any questions or for more information contact:
Jo Rosenbrook
04 381 0296
Community Relationships Advisor
Hospice New Zealand
