HOLISTIC SUPPORT FOR WHĀNAU

Social & Emotional Support, Cultural and Spiritual Care

When faced with a life limiting illness Mercy Hospice understands holistic care and the importance of whānau (family) support, cultural and spiritual practices. With aroha (compassion) and whakanui (respect) at the centre of our care, the Family Support Team encourage working in partnership with what ‘living every moment’ means to our patients and their whānau, continuing this support after someone has died.

Whānau Atawhai is a diverse mix of professional disciplines. Made up of counselling, social work, Māori, Pasifika and Chinese cultural liaison, occupational therapy and spiritual care – our whānau can provide:

  • Counselling
  • Bereavement support
  • Social support; advocacy, education & liaison
  • Facilitation of residential care
  • Spiritual Care coordination and exploration of meaning, connection and purpose
  • Māori, Pacific and Chinese cultural liaison and support
  • Social connection, information and education through ‘The Manaaki Day Service Programme’
  • Support and provision in ongoing education programmes for healthcare professionals that help them grow in self awareness and understanding of how they can bring a holistic approach to care delivery

Counselling

Our highly qualified counsellors, who are full members NZ Association of counsellors, use their expertise to provide support and guidance on how to navigate the palliative care journey.

Counselling

Cultural Liaison

As an organisation, Mercy Hospice honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to serving with hospitality, mutual enhancement and with concern for the poor and vulnerable.

Cultural Liaison

Manaaki Day Service

Manaaki Day Service is delivered in a group setting, so that patients and their whānau can connect with others who share similar experiences, creating space for a friendly, social, non-clinical environment.

Manaaki

Occupational Therapy

Providing Occupational Therapy (OT) is another way Mercy Hospice seeks to optimise quality of life and promote individual functioning over the course of the palliative care journey.

Occupational Therapy

Social Work

With a whānau –centred approach to practice and drawing on similar skill sets and theory as our counsellors, our registered social workers ensure equity of service for patients and their whānau.

Social Work

Spiritual Care

To enhance quality of life and holistic wellbeing, our Spiritual Care Coordinator supports the Taha Wairua (spiritual) needs of patients and their whānau. 

Spiritual Care