Case Study: Supporting End-of-Life Care in Mount Gambier Retirement Village
A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Smith*, relocated to a retirement village in Mount Gambier at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic leaving them little time to integrate into the community. Mrs. Smith's health deteriorated rapidly, necessitating 24/7 oxygen support. Mr. Smith, also in poor health, struggled to provide care, particularly as Mrs. Smith experienced nocturnal wanderings and sudden episodes of breathing difficulty.
The decline in Mrs. Smith's health placed immense strain on both her and Mr. Smith with Mr Smith fearful of leaving Mrs Smith alone during the day. Mrs. Smith eventually moved into an aged care facility when her partner could no longer care for her.
IHHCare supported both Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Volunteers provided companionship to Mrs. Smith, while offering emotional support and respite care to Mr. Smith.
With two weeks left to live, Mrs Smith reached out again for help as she was worried Mr Smith would commit suicide as he was struggling with her impending death. We provided immediate counselling support to the husband which continued over a number of months.
Client Comment about the IHHCare volunteer: "I love her to bits; she reminds me of my Mum. We worked through a bucket list together."
Carer/Partner Comment: "I have had tremendous support from In Home Hospice Care – they made the process of my wife’s end-of-life journey so much easier for me. The people there have so much empathy and they listen; and I could vent without being worried about being judged. It ends up, they become part of your family."
Case Study: Navigating Terminal Illness and Caregiving in a New Community
Client Background: Jane relocated to Mount Gambier with her husband and elderly mother. Shortly after, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, leaving Jane torn between caring for him and her dependent mother.
Jane found herself juggling the responsibilities of caregiving for her ailing husband and mother in an unfamiliar environment. With no local support system in place, she struggled to manage the demands of caregiving while attending to her own needs and maintaining a sense of normalcy in her life.
In Home Hospice Care stepped in to provide much-needed support to Jane and her family. We carefully matched Jane and her husband with volunteers who shared common interests and values enabling Jane to take breaks, run errands, tend to her mum, and to her own well-being, without constantly worrying about her husband.
Client comment: "The key thing really is the matching of the carers and clients to the volunteers and making sure we have something in common. We got on really well with the two volunteers allocated to us and having them visit meant I could go out shopping or do anything I had to do, without worrying about my partner."
"Having them was quite motivating for my partner as well because there were a few times where I would tell him they were coming, and he would get up and out of bed. By that time, he was much weaker and wasn’t getting up very much."
"I have made lifelong friendships that have continued after the death of my husband. It was amazing; we had so much in common. Having the volunteers enabled me to spend time with my Mum and access the community, so I have something for afterward."
Case Study: Empowering Independence and Well-being for an Elderly Client in Mount Gambier
In her 80s, Mrs. Johnson* had to relocate from a small rural town to Mount Gambier for regular medical care and was struggling financially and physically. With her family living overseas and interstate, Mrs. Johnson was without a support system in her new community. Living alone and unable to drive, she faced challenges in accessing essential services like groceries, prescriptions, and medical appointments.
The volunteer assigned not only helped her with practical tasks but also became a cherished companion, offering Mrs. Johnson much-needed emotional support during her time of need. This enhanced her well-being and independence enabling her to remain out of hospital and in her home for longer.
In addition, Mrs Johnson did not have a Will. Through our collaboration with Brite Legal, Mrs Johnson was able to have both an Advance Care Directive and a Will formalised at no charge.
Client Comment: "I am so grateful. The volunteer is lovely and cares about me. She is my best friend."
Palliative Care Team Mount Gambier Comment: "I just wanted to pass on our thanks for your commitment and care of our client. She certainly challenged all of us for numerous reasons, and there are many learnings to come from her situation. You all went above and beyond, and your support assisted her to stay at home for longer. You were left to manage many difficult situations with minimal/no family input or guidance; however, these were handled with the upmost respect and care, whilst always honouring her wishes. You should all be proud of how well you worked as a team and your caring and dedicated approach in supporting her.
(*Names has been changed for privacy.)
