Volunteers ease life for patients through new programme

13 March 2023

The contribution of volunteers makes a huge difference to the lives of hospice patients. From volunteering in the hospice shops to helping in the kitchens and much more, every hour they give makes the life of a patient better. In recent months, thanks to community support, a new volunteer programme was launched that enables hospice to reach even more patients and families.

The Nav-CARE programme sees specially trained volunteers take on an advocacy role for patients, offering compassionate and practical support and helping connect them with other resources in the community that can help.

When Harbour Hospice Nav-CARE volunteer Mao Gladys Youseff was introduced to 54-year-old wheelchair-bound patient Luke Felise, Luke was living in temporary motel accommodation with his former partner and full-time carer Annie.

Luke, who also suffers from several palliative conditions, had been missing important specialist appointments because messages had not been reaching him. He and Annie had also found it difficult to attend appointments because Annie could not lift Luke in and out of his wheelchair. Annie says, “I had been trying to stay on top of everything, but it was so much better after Gladys came.”

Luke and Annie

To begin with Gladys helped them set up new appointments and ensured that future ones would be confirmed by email and mobile; she spoke with the motel receptionists to make sure messages were taken to Luke every day. Luke’s GP arranged some home visits.

Then when Luke’s needs changed and he needed full-time care Gladys worked alongside Luke’s family, with the support of a Harbour Hospice social worker, to find and secure a suitable room for him within a residential care facility close to family. This brought immense relief to Luke and Annie. “We feel very grateful to Gladys,” Luke says.

Nav-CARE coordinator Louisa Christian adds, “This demonstrates how volunteers and Clinical teams can work together for the best possible care of patients.”

If you’d like to become a volunteer for Harbour Hospice please get in touch. Our friendly team can help find the perfect role for you – volunteer@harbourhospice.org.nz or phone 027 767 5742.