Offering hope and care to the North Coast
Through palliative care, managing pain, nausea, radiation burns or psychological issues such as depression , Dr Nothnagel believes you can support the patient and offer them a sense of comfort.
Sharon Hultzer, Desiree Bellars, Emily Mathe, Shantal Ramkissor and Dr Helene Northnagel.
Giving dignity to end of life was what inspired Ballito-based doctor Dr Helena Nothnagel to open the doors to Beacon of Care.
After returning to South Africa from the UK Dr Nothnagel spent two years volunteering at the Highway Hospice.
The mother of two who moved to the North Coast in 2013 said there was no co-ordinated hospice care in Ballito and surrounds.
In 2018 she completed a course in Palliative Care in Family Medicine through Stellenbosch University and teaming up with a group of highly-skilled palliative professionals Dr Nothnagel fulfilled a long-term dream of hers by opening Beacon of Care at the beginning of this year.
Their vision for Beacon of Care was simple: making high-quality palliative care readily available for all patients with life threatening illnesses such as cancer, HIV/Aids or motor neuron diseases who are living on the North Coast.
The non-profit organization which is also registered with the department of social development offers home-based medical care, holistic support and bereavement care.
“That is why we registered Beacon of Care as a NPO because the funds we raise will assist those who are not on medical aid and not able to afford this care in their private capacity.
ALSO READ: Giving dignity to end of life with Beacon of Care
“Thanks to the incredible medical advances over the years, we have doubled our life expectancy, but sometimes even the best medical practices are not enough to cure a patient. I feel strongly that when you get to the point where treatment options have been exhausted, it is crucial not to just give up and abandon the patient.”
Through palliative care, managing pain, nausea, radiation burns or psychological issues such as depression , Dr Nothnagel believes you can support the patient and offer them a sense of comfort.
“Doctors need to cure and to care. You might not be able to cure the cancer, but it is vital to care for the person,” she said.
Dr Northnagel said in order to help, patients need a referral letter and they will assess the patient’s personal situation through a home visit.
“We then provide personalised, holistic care, make you as comfortable as possible, enable you to spend time with the people closest to you and minimise the physical and emotional stress that you, your family and loved ones experience,” said Northnagel.
To get involved or donate to Beacon of Care, contact Dr Nothnagel at 065 135 5214, send a mail to info@beaconofcare.co.za, or visit their Facebook page: Beacon of Care.
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