Each Quest property is part of a local community and we recognise our responsibility to play an active and positive role. Quest introduced ‘Quest for a Cause’, an umbrella under which we support one charitable organisation, as well as many local charities and organisations within close proximity to Quest properties.
The beginning of 2014 saw the establishment of Quest New Zealand’s exclusive charitable partnership with Hospice New Zealand.
Across the country, the 34 Quest properties will partner with their local hospice service and plan a variety of activities that will raise awareness of hospice services and much needed funding.
In our efforts of supporting the new partnership with Hospice New Zealand, Quest encourages all staff to play an active role in raising awareness of a such a selfless service, particularly over the coming week.
The national awareness week for the hospice locations throughout the country runs in May and is an opportunity for everyone to step back from the daily grind and think about who and what is important and what living every moment means in a personal sense.
“You don’t have to be dying from a life limiting condition to take the opportunity to review how your life is going, to ask yourself what living every moment means to you” explains Mary Schumacher, CEO, Hospice NZ.
“The purpose of Hospice Awareness Week is to raise awareness of the care and support the 29 hospice services around the country provide – but also to spread the underpinning philosophy of hospice – to live every moment – throughout the community” continues Ms Schumacher.
Hospice is not just a building it is a philosophy of care which extends beyond physical needs, encompassing emotional, spiritual and social needs of a person and their family.
Beth, whose husband and family used their local hospice service several years ago recounts the time as a very special time for the whole family.
“When we were told hospice was something we should consider, we thought that meant the end. In hindsight it was the beginning of a very special time for our family. Doug was only in the hospice inpatient facility for a few days the first time.
Nothing was too much trouble, we joked that he better not get used to being waited on! Family and friends could visit anytime; our son ended up staying the night in his room more than once. The support continued when he came home, Sue, his nurse visited often to make sure we were coping. It wasn’t just Doug she was checking on, she always made time for me.
There were times when I had to admit that I needed a break – that is when we discovered the day stay programme, where Doug could go for a few hours a couple of times a week and talk with others in a similar situation, share a meal and speak to the support staff running the group if he felt like talking.
After he died they suggested I talk with a grief counsellor, which really helped. The hospice made a terrible time not only bearable but in a funny way enjoyable. It is truly remarkable we didn’t have to pay a cent for such wonderful care and support. I will never forget the kindness of the volunteers and nurses. Thanks to hospice we didn’t have to worry about caring for Doug, we could just love and spend time with him - what a remarkable gift”
“It is not uncommon for people to comment that becoming involved with hospice is nothing like they expected and they wish they had been in contact sooner” Mary says.
Hospice Patron Jo Seagar encourages everyone to get into Hospice Awareness Week. “I really hope everyone takes the opportunity to support their local hospice – there is so much happening throughout the country. Open days, memorial services, street appeals and hospice cuppa events. More information can be found at www.hospice.org.nz. Take a look and get involved”.
More information about hospice:
The goal of hospice is to support people with a life limiting illness to live every moment in whatever way is important to them, their family, and whanau.
The concept of care encompasses the whole person, not just their physical needs but also their emotional, spiritual, and social needs too. This care extends beyond the person who is unwell to include their family, whanau; support is available both before and after a death. Irrespective of where a person lives, this philosophy of care does not change and everything provided is free of charge.
Whilst free to people using hospice services it costs a lot to provide, in 2017 it will cost just over $100M nationally.
As an essential health service provider, hospice services receive the majority of funding from Government; but financial support from the community is essential to meet the shortfall – in 2017 the total required from fundraising efforts is $45M nationally.
For more information please visit www.hospice.org.nz.