New Hospice Programme CARES FOR THE CARERS
We are pleased to present our new initiative for 2011 -
The Kowhai Programme!
This programme is for non-paid family carers who are caring for people with terminal illnesses. Most people in these situations find themselves with limited information and no medical knowledge of how to carry out the multitude of tasks they need to perform to keep their family member safe, comfortable and with a decent quality of life.
The Kowhai Programme focuses on the practical skills carers need to know, such as pain management; nutrition; helping someone transfer from a bed to a chair; navigating the medical, hospice and home health care systems; and what to expect in general. Also, carers will be encouraged and shown ways to care for themselves.
The 7-session programme runs from January— April. Carers can attend all or any one of the sessions. It is open to all carers who care for a family member or friend enrolled in the Otago Community Hospice Programme.