WHAT WE DO
More about what we do
Hospice Bloemfontein provides care to meet the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families facing life-limiting illness. This is done with the aim of achieving the best quality of life for the patient. Our desire is to be involved with the patient from the moment they’re diagnosed, offering love, comfort and emotional support to them and their family.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CARE
Admission Process
All patients accepted into our home care programme must be formally referred by either their doctor or clinic, or contact us directly for an assessment.
Admission Criteria
– Live in the Manguang area.
– Be over 18 years of age
– A diagnosis of a life threatening disease.
These illness include, but are not limited to:
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CANCER
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Progressive neurological disorders
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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End-stage cardiac, renal, respiratory or hepatic disorders
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Motor neurone disease (MDR)
Our focus is placed primarily on providing care to the patient in the comfort of their own home.
We do this through our network of palliative-trained nurses and hospice companions.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Training courses for professionals and the general public are offered, such as Grief, Loss and Bereavement or an Introduction to Palliative Care. Basic training in patient care for homeworkers is also offered.
Palliative Care
Counselling
Patients and their families who are affected by terminal illness are confronted by a number of difficulties which may include family conflict, unresolved relationships, depression, anger, and anxiety. Added to this are worries about practical issues such as financial strain, employment, future care, and care of minor children in the family.
It can be traumatic for the patient and their family to accept their circumstances and continue the difficult process of end-of-life planning for their loved one.
Our qualified counsellor and other team members (trained volunteers, nurses and clergy) are experienced, with a wealth of knowledge and skill, while their true worth lays in their caring hearts. As valued members of
our multi-disciplinary team, they represent the patient and family’s wishes at every team meeting. Their goal is to ensure that each family receives care that is tailored to fit their particular needs.
Their services include:
- Personal and family counselling.
- Future care planning for patients.
- Care planning and support for vulnerable children.
- Spiritual care and support.
- Access to community resources and other specialised agencies..
- Co-ordination of the bereavement support service.
Their work involves helping people through some of the most vulnerable, stressful and
difficult times of their lives. The rewards however, are great, walking side by side with the
patient and their family results in profound connections being made, in the sharing and
celebrating of significant moments in their lives, and in having a hugely positive impact
during adverse times. Intrinsic to Hospice Bloemfontein care is the belief that, despite illness
and loss, there is also a remarkable opportunity for self-awareness, change and growth for the
patient and their family and this remains a primary focus in the work we do.