My name is Wendy and I am a member of the Hospice North Shore Community Nurse Team. This year our Hospice Community Nurses like me will make over 2,800 visits to people like Carol who are living with a terminal illness in our community. We see patients and families at all stages of life, allowing them to stay in their own homes, on their own terms. It’s a service we provide free to our community, only through your generosity.
There is no one typical day for me. I visit with young families for instance and help them to cope with what’s happening. I see couples who have been together for 40, 50 or 60+ years that are facing a future without their soul mate. It isn’t an easy time for anyone. But for me it’s not just about treating the disease, it is about focusing on all aspects of their needs. It’s a privilege to be invited into these people’s lives.
Carol is one of the many people on the North Shore who depend on my regular visits. She has a rare form of cancer and knows there is no cure. But like many of our patients living with a terminal illness, Carol wants to be able to live every moment in her own home, in her own way. I spend time with Carol making sure her medication is right for her increasing pain, talking through any concerns she has and spending time with her husband to help him understand Carol’s condition and needs. This means Carol actually has time to live instead of grappling with her illness. It also means families’ like hers have the reassurance of knowing they are not alone during this time, that I or another member of my team is here whenever they need us, day or night.
Our care at Hospice is about working together as a team to ensure we are able to provide the best care for the people in our community who need our service. I’m supported by a team of Doctors, Counsellors, Social Workers, and a Chaplain who work with our patients and families to help them through their grief, anger and loss. We are committed to making sure those who need us are not alone and without support.
“I couldn’t have got through the last few months without Wendy, I would be in constant pain with absolutely no quality of life.” Carol
Visit here to read Carol's story. |
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