Charlotte Varcoe
IN Home Hospice Care’s grief, loss and bereavement service will continue for another year, after receiving the second of three generous donations from a local organisation.
Last year it was announced the Masonic Charities Trust would contribute about $30,000 per year for three years to support the service for those who had recently lost a loved one.
Throughout the service’s first year, grief counsellor Glenny Tiller helped 16 individuals with counselling sessions under employee assistance and another 60 counselling sessions for people within the community, averaging three clients per week.
In Home Hospice Care manager Sandi Elliot said staff were actively encouraging people to have “open and honest discussions” about dying and death.
“This can ensure that someone’s wishes for end-of-life are known and respected and can support those who you love through bereavement,” Ms Elliot said.
“Glenny has been able to provide emotional support to In Home Hospice Care volunteers and staff as they travel on the journey with their clients and carers to the end of life as well as support to those in our local community who have lost loved ones.”
She said of late there had been a significant rise in the number of people seeking support with the program now being more widely known.
“This funding from Masonic Charities is helping our community to return to a time when dying is not seen as a medical failure, but as a natural part of life,” Ms Elliot said.
“It is enabling us to play an important part in helping people with comfort, conversation, and consolation.”
Freemasons South Australia and Northern Territory Mount Gambier Lodge 35 master Bruce Potter said they were exceptionally happy to have continued the committed funds.
“There are opportunities for other organisations to apply for funding should they meet the requirement and people are more than welcome to contact and apply for funding for their organisations as well,” Mr Potter said.
“Sandi applied and was successful and it is a wonderful thing as we need the hospice care with everyone getting older and it is a wonderful thing for the Freemasons to get involved in,” Mr Potter said.
“From what we can see and hear it is a wonderful program which has been well received and it has worked out exceptionally well with Sandi and their workers and volunteers as well which is fantastic.”
He said it was “famously accepted” and well used within the community and noted the importance of supporting the hospice care program.
“We do not have enough care in Mount Gambier, everyone seems to think it is someone else’s job,” Mr Potter said.
“It is more dignified to be able to stay at home and a lot of people are proud and prefer to pass away at home if possible.
“Sandi and the crew are doing a great job and it is very needed within the community with everyone very happy with the way the money has been used.”
In Home Hospice Care is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30am until 3pm.