When someone you love is seriously ill, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Many families in our region are quietly caring for loved ones at home – often without much help or rest.
In Home Hospice Care (IHHCare) is a local, volunteer-based service offering free, practical and emotional support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.
Whether it’s a warm presence to sit and chat, a helping hand with daily tasks, or just someone to listen – their volunteers walk beside you so you don’t have to go through it alone.
Their goal is simple: to help people stay at home, maintain their independence and dignity, and ease the strain on families.
They also offer a free education program, which recently expanded into other parts of the Limestone Coast.
The Practical Skills for Caregivers program will now be held in Penola and Millicent, thanks to funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Caring for a loved one at home in their final days can be one of life’s most meaningful experiences, but also one that is physically and emotionally challenging.
Recognizing the need for practical, hands-on support, IHHCare developed the free Carer Education Program to equip caregivers with essential skills and confidence in providing care at home.
Delivered over three weekly sessions, each around 1.5 hours long, the program covers what it means to be a carer, accessing local support services, carer and patient wellbeing, managing symptoms such as nausea and pain, understanding and managing medications, assisting with hygiene and skin care, providing safe mobility assistance and infection prevention and hand hygiene.
Manager of IHHCare Sandi Elliott said many people wish to spend their final days in the familiarity and comfort of home, surrounded by familiar places and familiar faces.
“This program empowers caregivers to make that possible. With the support of FRRR, we’re now able to take this vital training into rural communities where access is limited,” she said.
Local clinical educator and registered nurse Heidi Rose, who helped develop the program, will facilitate the sessions.
Participation is free, but registration is essential, as each workshop is capped at eight participants to allow for practical learning and discussion.
Upcoming Workshops will be held at the Visitor Information Centre on Wednesdays, starting on August 13 and the Millicent Council Chambers on Wednesday starting from September 10.
All sessions run from 1pm to 2.30pm, to register your place, contact Ms Elliott on 0437 246 484.
