Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ipswich Hospice?
- Ipswich Hospice is a six-bed community owned health care facility, providing palliative care to terminally ill people and their families. Nursing care is provided in the homelike environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- What is Palliative Care?
- Palliative Care Australia defines palliative care as the active total care of people whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Palliative care aims to ease pain, distress, and the many physical, emotional and spiritual problems associated with a life-shortening illness.
- Can anyone access Hospice?
- Guests at Hospice can be referred through their GP, hospital, health facility or simply self-refer, and must have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and be in the final phase of their illness (up to three months). Appropriateness of admission with respect to our resources is determined by the Palliative Care Medical Officer and Director of Hospice Services.
- What services does Hospice offer?
- Hospice offers numerous additional services to the Ipswich community. They include: Bereavement Support Services such as Drop-in-Centre and Peer Support Groups and a Home Care Respite Service providing respite to a primary carer in their own home. Also available are Complementary Therapies within Palliative Care.
- How is Hospice funded?
- Hospice is partly funded by State and Commonwealth grants and the balance of funding comes from generous donations, payroll deductions, fundraising events, Hospice enterprise “Bargain Centre” and funds raised through “Friends of Hospice” Bookshop and Craft Shop.
- What costs are involved to access services at Hospice?
- Hospice has a “no set fee” for Guest Care. Although Hospice can claim a portion of the expenses through Department of Veteran Affairs for those guests who are eligible, unfortunately this covers only some of the costs involved in Guest care. The real cost of Guest care exceeds $600 per day therefore the vast majority of costs are met through donations and fundraising.
- Hospice needs and requests financial help from the families accessing it services therefore we appreciate regular donations, if possible, during the Guest’s stay with us.
- The grief and bereavement programs offered by our Community Centre, Hilda’s House are free of charge to community members.
- What is “Friends of Hospice”?
- “Friends of Hospice” is a wonderful auxiliary of Hospice, established in 1996. It is run by Volunteers to raise funds for the purchase of equipment and resources for our guests and their families. “Friends of Hospice” operates a Bookshop in Brisbane Street, and “A Country Corner” Craft Shop on the corner of East and South Streets. Your patronage is most welcome.
- How can I help?
- Assistance is welcomed in many different ways including donations, volunteering, payroll deductions, supporting the Bargain Centre, craft shop and bookshop, bequests, memberships and/or sponsorship.
- Who do I contact for more information?
- Contact with staff and volunteers can be made by phoning (07) 3812 0063 or emailing info@ipswichhospice.org.au
