A hospice is a place of care, compassion and support for individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. It is not just a building or a medical service, it is a philosophy of care focused on improving the quality of life for patients and offering comfort during the final stages of illness.
Hospices provide palliative care, which includes expert pain management, emotional and psychological support, and assistance with day-to-day needs. Care can be delivered in a hospice facility, at home, or in community settings, depending on what is best for the patient and their family.
Hospice care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, volunteers, and spiritual advisors. Together, they create a personalised care plan that respects the patient’s values and wishes. Families are also supported throughout the journey with guidance, respite care, and bereavement counselling.
One of the key principles of hospice care is that it is person-centred. Patients are not seen as cases, but as individuals with stories, preferences, and loved ones. The goal is to make each day as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Hospices like Midlands Hospice also play a vital role in education and training. Nurses and caregivers are equipped with specialist skills to deliver high-quality palliative care. The organisation may also offer support and workshops for families and community members.
Importantly, hospice care is often free of charge or subsidised, thanks to the generosity of donors, fundraisers, and volunteers. Community support ensures that those who need care can receive it, regardless of their financial circumstances.
In essence, a hospice provides more than medical care, it offers hope, humanity, and dignity when it matters most.
7 Mansfield Road, Howick KZN | Phone: 033 330 5257 | Email: info@midlandshospice.org.za
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