What we do
Hospice Care
Hospice is more than just a building; it is a philosophy of care.
Albany Community Hospice is an 8 bed specialist palliative care facility where patients can receive support and symptom management in a home-like environment.
All patients of the Hospice receive a private room with en suite and access to the hospice gardens. Rooms are equipped with seating for loved-ones and friends and there is a full array of amenities available within the facility for carers and friends to ensure their time here is extra-special.
About Palliative Care
Albany Community Hospice provides palliative care, a specialist medical care specifically for people with terminal, incurable illness. The goal is around providing quality of life, managing pain and symptoms to enable people to live every moment in whatever way is important to them.
In consultation with the person’s GP and Palliative Care team, Albany Community Hospice is able to create a specialised care plan that supports individual needs and desires for their end-of-life journey.
Whilst the Hospice specialises in providing symptom management, there is also a strong emphasis on supporting the psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of each of our guests, their families and carers.
When support is offered
Most often people are referred to hospice when their illness is no longer curable, when their illness has entered a terminal phase. In some circumstances people may be referred whilst still undergoing treatment – e.g. radiotherapy for symptom management. It is important to talk to your key health care provider about the options available, including hospice care.
Accessing Our Services
Getting referred
A referral is normally made by a person’s own GP or hospital doctor. A Community Nurse may also make a referral. People can also contact the hospice directly to discuss what support might be available.
When referrals are made
People may be referred for hospice care as soon as a diagnosis is made, not just at the very end of life. Once a person’s palliative care needs have been met, they may be discharged from the service. However, they can be reassessed at any time after this if their condition changes.
Care is provided free of charge
Everything hospice provides to guests, family and carers is provided free of charge.
As an essential health service provider, hospice receives some funding from the Government however community support through fundraising is needed to meet the gap of around $250,000 per year.