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COVID-19 Care Update

For much of last year, in-home support was suspended due to restrictions and uncertainty in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was a difficult time for those having to manage without our support, and our kind-hearted volunteers who desperately wanted to be able to help.

Thanks to a lot of hard work behind the scenes and the development of new COVID-safe volunteering procedures, we were able to resume Hospice in the Home late last year and keep it going through subsequent periods of lockdown and changing restrictions. As an organisation, we are constantly monitoring health and government advice to ensure we are operating withing guidelines, while minimising risk to our clients, their families, and our volunteers. This is no easy feat, but one we feel is worth the effort.

COVID-19 restrictions have limited support options for families providing end-of-life care at home, while increasing pressure to avoid admission to hospital or aged care. Unless death is imminent, patients are subjected to strict visiting restrictions and long, lonely days separated from their family and friends. The support provided by volunteers through Hospice in the Home has never been more vital or valued by its recipients.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful Hospice in the Home volunteers who have continued to provide essential caregiving to families this year. Without their dedication and willingness to follow an evolving list of COVID-safe volunteering procedures, we would be forced to stop service at a time when it is needed most. I would also like to thank our Committee of Management and Hospice staff for their contributions to keeping the doors open. It truly is a team effort.

Emmalee Bell

Manager – Warrnambool & District Community Hospice

We need your help to spread the word about our Hospice in the Home Service.

Do you know someone with a life limiting illness who would prefer to die in the comfort of their own home? Do you know someone who is caring for someone with a life limiting or terminal illness at home?

Please tell them about our free, Hospice in the Home Service which supports people with a life limiting illness to be cared for at home. Our specially trained volunteers provide free practical and emotional support that complements medical services and eases the burden on carers.

For more information call Warrnambool & District Community Hospice on (03) 55633220 or visit warrnamboolhospice.org.au

We would like to acknowledge and thank several local businesses for their support of Warrnambool & District Hospice.

Firstly, Direct Chemist Outlet in the Target Centre Warrnambool, who are collecting gold coin donations from people requesting a witness for their Statutory Declarations. This was the wonderful idea of Direct Chemist Outlet employee, Gwenda Wilson (pictured) who also happens to volunteer with us.

We also thank the businesses hosting our Donation Tap Point, which is the high-tech version of a coin collection tin. Throughout August people tapped their card at Norton Motor Group to donate $3 to Hospice. The Donation Tap Point can currently be found at Shiraya Suchi & Deli in Koroit Street, Warrnambool.

If you are a local business and would like to help our volunteers support more people to die in the comfort of their own home, prevent carer burnout and build a compassionate, end-of-life community in Warrnambool please email sponsorship@wdchospice.org.au and we can organise for you to host the Donation Tap Point or a donation tin at your business.

Give Now to Support our free local Service

Warrnambool & District Community Hospice is powered by volunteers and the generosity of the community. We rely on donations to continue to provide our Hospice in the Home service free of charge, and meet demand for our support. Please click here to make a donation online, or phone (03) 5563 3220 to discuss your support.