Centurion Hospice specialises in palliative care
"One of our mottos is that it is never too early to call a hospice," said Reed.
The Centurion Hospice, located on the corner of Clifton and North streets, specialises in palliative care and wishes to treat its patients with dignity and respect.
Just down the road from the Unitas hospital, the hospice has 16 beds for patients with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses including cancer and HIV/AIDS.
The hospice is a non-profit organisation registered with the Department of Social Development.
Typically, admissions for terminally ill patients are for two months, respite care is for two weeks and pain and symptom control is determined by the efficacy of the treatment.
“Palliative care concerns the whole person,” said CEO Annette Reed.
“It is a state of mind and way of doing things that differ from most other forms of care.
“Most hospices are small units which aim to create a friendly, homely atmosphere – mostly providing holistic care to people in the comfort of their own homes amongst their loved ones.”
The hospice has many highly trained nurses who offer in-house palliative care services to the people of Centurion.
The hospice keeps its services operational through its donations and charity shop.
Donations can be fetched from the donor’s home if they are unable to make the trip themselves.
“We will take anything, as long as it’s working and there is a use for it,” said Reed.
The premises also features a fully stocked bookstore with a wide variety of books on a myriad of topics.
Reed encourages residents of Centurion to approach the hospice if they feel a family member needs care.
“One of our mottos is that it is never too early to call a hospice,” said Reed.
The hospice caters for all residents regardless of their financial situation.
Reed and her team realise how difficult and stressful it can be to deal with the passing of a loved one.
The hospice, therefore, offers special counselling services to family members of patients who have passed away in the hospice.
“Some people grieve for six months or less and can go on with their lives. But for some people, it can take years, and we want to reach out to these people with proper psychological help,” said Reed.
For more information, contact the Centurion hospice on 012 664 6175.
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