Frequently Asked Questions

• When someone goes to Hospice, does that mean they are going to die there?

  Being referred to Hospice means that you need specialist help. For some people it might mean using the specialist skills that we have to help solve a difficult problem that you may have. Hospice can help manage the problems you have at any given time and then it might be appropriate for you to be discharged from the service. If/when you need our help again, you can be referred again to the service. For other people it does mean that death is close for them and they need our specialist help to manage this journey with them. 
  

• If I’m referred to Hospice, does that mean I am dying? What does it mean to be referred to Hospice?

  Being referred to Hospice means that the team looking after you has asked for some advise or assistance in caring for you. For some people it might mean using the specialist skills that we have to help solve a difficult problem that you may have. It might mean supporting you or your family emotionally or arranging home help. If you need ongoing help then we are here, but you might decide that you don’t need us then it might be appropriate for you to be discharged from the service. If/when you need our help again, you can be referred again to the service. For other people it does mean that death is close for them and they need our specialist help to manage this journey with them.  
  

• What help/services can Hospice be/provide to me and my family?

  Hospice prides itself on the range of services that it offers. These include: community care, inpatient care, shared care with other health professionals, social work, volunteer services, family support and chaplaincy support.  
  

• What is Palliative Care?

  Palliative care is a branch of health care that attends to only those with an advanced life-limiting illness. A life-limiting illness is one that has no cure. The focus of this area of care is the patients and their family/whanau’ s total care i.e. Physical/tinana, social/whanaungatanga, emotional/hinengaro, and spiritual/wairua wellbeing. Care is specific to each person and focuses on helping them to live the best that they can for as long as they are able. This care can be provided in home or in another place e.g. hospice, hospital or long term residential facility. Care is provided by a skilled team of health professionals lead by the specialists in palliative care – in this case, North Haven Hospice team.  
  

• What is it going to cost me? How is Hospice funded?

  The care that North Haven Hospice provides is free to patients. North Haven Hospice has a contract with the Northland District Health Board to provide palliative services to the residents of the Whangarei region. This contract only covers about 50% of the cost of providing this service. The rest is funded by donations, grants, fundraising and bequests.  
  

• What is it like staying at Hospice? Can my family/pet stay with me?

  While North Haven Hospice is a specialist facility, the team at North Haven would like to think that you feel at home while staying at the Hospice. Family and pets are welcome and there is a special Whanau Room for families to use during stays. Family members are welcome to stay with their loved one. A koha for the use of these facilities is appreciated.  
  

• When does Hospice help stop?

  As part of our care, we realise that the journey of the family/whanau goes on long after their loved one dies. For this reason, North Haven Hospice bereavement support team keep in touch with the family/whanau to help them adapt to the losses that they have as they move forward in their life without their loved one.  
  

• How long can I stay at Hopsice?

  As the hospice has only five beds we are unable to offer long term care. Admission to North Haven Hospice is usually on a short term basis, this is usually a week or two If it looks as if you will need to stay longer or move to a long term residential facility, you and your family will be actively involved in the planning stages for this to happen.  
  

• What happens if I’m at home and need help at night or in the weekends?

  North Haven Hospice have a 24/7 phone line that you are able to ring for help. If you need further help one of our on call specialist nurses will visit you at home. Sometimes an after-hours doctor, or your GP may also be needed to be phoned or may need to visit.  
  

• I want to die quickly. Can Hospice help?

  Hospice can help make you more comfortable but cannot help you to die quickly. Assisting someone to die is illegal. The Hospice philosophy sees dying as a natural part of living. We see it as our role neither to hasten nor postpone death.  
  

• How can I help Hospice? (Goods)

  Every newsletter has a “wishlist”. If you see anything on the list that you could donate, please follow the link at the top of the page to Contact Us. There is also the hospice shop that is always pleased to accept any goods in good condition. There is a pick up service for large items 
  

• What does it mean to leave a Bequest?

  One way to help North Haven Hospice is to make a provision in your will. Your will should be properly written and witnessed for it to be legal. If you intend to donate in this generous way a special paragraph needs to be included in your will. It should read;
  
  “I give to North Haven Hospice the sum of $ (include the dollar amount or describe the assets of property gifted) to be used for the general purpose of North Haven Hospice; for which the receipt of the CEO or other proper office shall be full and sufficient discharge to my Trustee”.

• Will my GP know what is happening?

  North Haven prides itself on the way that we involve all the members of your health care team in your care. We have processes in place to make sure that all involved in your care know what is happening and how they can help you.  
  

• Do I have to change doctors if I recieve Hospice's care?

  You can keep your same GP and use the services of North Haven Hospice. Hospice works alongside your GP to give you the best care you can have at this time. If you are admitted to the Inpatient Unit our doctors will provide the care during your stay and inform your GP of any updates or changes in your care.  
  

• What does a volunteer do at Hospice?

  Volunteers give generously of their time and skills for our organisation. They help in many areas including: inpatient unit support, community care of patients, administration support, biography “reflections” service, gardening, catering for functions for patients/families, driving for patients, shop volunteers, driving for the shop, fundraising, maintenance/building/odd job repairs, making crafts, floral art, car maintenance among many other things.  
  

• Is there a difference between Hospice and the Cancer Society?

  Yes. The Cancer Society offers services to the people of Northland who are coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in their families. Nurses who are qualified and experienced in cancer care provide support and information to newly diagnosed people and their families. Like Hospice, Cancer Society services are also free.  
  

• Do I have to have cancer in order to receive hospice care?

  No, North Haven Hospice cares for people who have a life-limiting illness. This could be cancer, end stage heart, lung or renal disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV/AIDS as well as other medical conditions for which there is no cure.  
  

• Can I take natural remedies as well as what Hospice advises?

  Many people choose to use natural/alternative/complementary remedies alongside main stream medicine. It is important that you are open and honest with the North Haven Team about what you are taking. Sometimes there maybe interactions between mainstream medicine and the ones you are taking so it is important that we know so we can research this and advise you about this.  
  

• I don’t want too many people coming into my home. How do you work with other services?

  This time is a hectic time for you and your family. You will need help at some stage throughout your journey. Hospice works together with other providers of care to minimize the impact of health visitors to your home. If you are feeling swamped, let us know and we can discuss what your needs are at any given time.  
  

• What do I do if I don’t live in Whangarei?

  North Haven cares first and foremost for those within the Whangarei region but does also have a role in assisting the other hospices in Northland with care. This might mean that if you require more care than can be provided by your local hospice, you may be admitted to the inpatient unit in Whangarei  
  

• Where do I have to go to get Hospice help?

  Our team is available to you in a number of ways; you can dial our 24 hour telephone service, a member of our team can visit you in your own home or alternatively you may wish to visit members of the team at the Hospice as well.  
  

• Isn’t it true that if I go to Hospice, I won’t go home?

  People with acute needs can be cared for in North Haven Hospice Inpatient Unit. Once their condition has improved they may go back home again. Sometimes, carers need a break and admission to the inpatient unit is a good short-term solution. People may also choose to die in North Haven Hospice if dying at home is not their preferred place of dying. 
  

• If I start morphine, doesn’t that mean I am dying?

  Not at all. Morphine is one of a range of pain relieving medicines available to you to help with managing pain. Many people are living well with Morphine as part of their medicine regimen. It is not a drug to be feared. Keeping in control of pain using medicines such as Morphine can help to make life more comfortable and allow you to continue to do what you want to in life. If you are prescribed morphine the nurses/doctors can answer any questions you may have to help alleviate any reservations you may have.  
  

• Are my donations to Hospice tax deductable?

  North Haven Hospice is a registered charitable organisation. Any donations over $5 can be claimed on your tax return. If you are GST registered, you can not claim GST on any donations.  
  

• Is North Haven affiliated with any religious group? My beliefs/culture is very important to me.

  North Haven is not affiliated with any religious group. The care that North Haven Hospice provides respects that religion is very important to people therefore we will encourage you to practice what is important to you.