MERCY HOSPICE AUCKLAND is the provider of specialist palliative care services for people living in the community in the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) area. We have a 13-bed hospice inpatient unit and provide community palliative care nursing services and support to people with palliative needs living at home and in residential care. The hospice services are partly funded by ADHB and are available at no cost to people of all religious and ethnic groups.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative or hospice care provides support for patients and families confronted with illness that is no longer curable. A palliative care approach aims to improve quality of life by addressing social, psychological and spiritual needs as well as physical needs such as managing pain and other distressing symptoms.
When is Palliative Care Helpful?
Palliative care may help at any stage of a life-limiting illness when there are major problems or distress. Palliative care support is available in hospital, the hospice itself, in the home, or in residential care settings.
Who Provides Palliative Care When you are Living at Home or in Residential Care?
General Practitioners and the primary care team provide palliative care for most people living at home or in residential care. As their illness progresses, some people require additional support from the specialist hospice team, either at home or in the hospice itself.