KALAMUNDA day hospice offers respite and care to patients with life-limiting illness, with a 12-week social and therapeutic program to help address symptom control and support patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

The hospice is based on a model of therapeutic care combined with social support and is open to patients who are being cared for at home but could benefit from additional support, as they manage a life-limiting illness.

Nestled in the leafy grounds of Kalamunda Hospital, the centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, allied health professionals and volunteers.

Participants include local residents Dee and Rob Dunne, who are full of praise for the program.

“The day group provides a brilliant community service that is greatly appreciated,” Mr Dunne said.

“The day group also gives carers a welcome break to pursue other personal activities, and the staff are skilled at providing enjoyable activities that not only engage the participants but also help them with a lot of laughter and banter as well.

“The day’s success sees smiles on all participants, carers and staff.”

Mr Dunne said when the day ended and it was time to say goodbye and go home, both participants and carers always looked forward to the next visit.

Day hospice clinical nurse Simone Carameli described the carers as the ‘superheroes of society,’ saving the Australian economy billions of dollars a year.

“It is great to see the carers acknowledged and recognised for the work they do,” Ms Carameli said.

“We all know caring comes from the heart. It can be challenging, emotionally and financially, but we’re here to support carers who give their love to others.”

Many participants have spoken about how much the service means to them, including James Wood who is his mother’s carer and lives with her full-time.

“I took early retirement in July to care for my widowed mum, Eileen, known here as Woody, who has advanced dementia. She comes here and it gives me a break. I am with her 24/7 and it can be mentally challenging,” Mr Wood said.

“I don’t think I could be a carer if I didn’t have some time out. Mum is a very social person. When she’s here, she can mingle with new people and engage in activities she enjoys,” he explained.

At a nearby table, Isobel Chance sits next to her husband Chester, who has dementia and other health issues.

“Chester comes to the day hospice for five hours at a time. Because he’s in a wheelchair, it can be difficult for me to get out of the house,” Isobel pointed out.

“When he’s here, I go for lunch with friends or enjoy a bit of retail therapy. It’s important to have time for myself. We are so lucky to be able to use this free service.”

About three million Australians provide unpaid emotional and practical care to people with disabilities and illness. At some point, every Australian will either care for or be on the receiving end of care.

Staff at Kalamunda Hospital run the day hospice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm, providing crucial respite for carers to support their physical, emotional and social needs.

For more information please email: kdch.dayhospice@health.wa.gov.au or call 9257 8100.