Hospice launch pilot extra home assistance

GALWAY Hospice has launched a new pilot Healthcare Assistant service to support patients receiving specialist palliative care at home.

The service has been developed to help patients remain comfortable and supported in their preferred place of care, while also offering reassurance and respite to families and carers when they need it most.

Working closely with specialist palliative care nurses, doctors and the wider multidisciplinary team, the Healthcare Assistant service provides support with personal care, mobility, comfort measures and emotional wellbeing, helping to ensure patients and families receive coordinated, holistic care.

This service is designed to complement existing community supports and home care services, providing an additional layer of care when circumstances change or needs increase.

Amy Kybartaite, who delivers this service explained that the outside normal working hours, people can often feel alone when difficulties arise.

“This service provides an additional layer of support and reassurance during evenings, nights and weekends, when families may feel most vulnerable,” she said.