What We Do.
Unique care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting diagnosis in the Geelong and wider region.
Our Services
Anam Cara House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation. Our home and services are available to everyone who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
We are committed to offering support to people, their families and carers who are seeking person-centred palliative and end-of-life care within the Geelong and wider region. Our services include 24-hour end-of-life care, day and overnight palliative care, community outreach and equipment loan. Care occurs in a unique, home-like environment with best practice clinical care including support from trained palliative care volunteers.
The focus of person-centred palliative care is on the quality of life, symptom management and comfort.
24-hour End
Of Life Care
Living Well
Day Palliative
Care Program
Overnight
Palliative
CARE
Community
Outreach
End Of Life Care & Symptom Management
24-hour care to guests of Anam Cara House Geelong.
Our end-of-life care is provided in a home-like environment at Anam Cara House Geelong, and is delivered by specialist staff and palliative care volunteers in collaboration with medical practitioners. Our care is person-centred and encompasses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our guests. This holistic care extends to the whole family, however family is not defined as blood relatives. It is defined as all those that are important to the person at the centre of our care. Our support continues past the dying event, with bereavement support and a memorial service, for it is those that present that carry the memories. Death is a part of life, and we view it as a privilege to be invited to be involved and care at this sacred time.
For all referrals – including medical and nursing professionals, allied health, case managers, family, friends and self – please contact the office on 5222 5831 or email referrals@achg.org.au.
If Anam Cara House Geelong is the most suitable organisation to care for the person, then admission is arranged in collaboration with the medical practitioner.
Living Well Day Palliative Care Program
Open now — 4 days per week
A flexible day program where guests can come to our home for the day.
Our Living Well Day Palliative Care Program not only provides family members and carers the time to run errands, or have a few hours to themselves, it also provides the person the ability to socialise with other guests and the people of Anam Cara House Geelong. It’s a program where guests can come and enjoy a range of activities, education and relaxation, with registered nurses and specially trained volunteers there for support and care. Transport assistance to and from may be able to be arranged, depending on availability.
For all referrals – including medical and nursing professionals, allied health, case managers, family, friends and self – please email referrals@achg.org.au. Our Nurse Manager will then interview the person or carer onsite or at home to determine if Anam Cara House Geelong is the most suitable organisation to provide care. This includes a discussion of care goals, and a guests and carer needs assessment.
Overnight Palliative Care
Overnight care in our house with support and compassionate skilled care.
Our overnight Palliative Care specialist nurses and trained volunteers provide compassionate and exceptional care for those living with a life-limiting diagnosis. We are able to care for people who require medication, pain or symptom management, functional decline or illness progression – and we collaborate with medical practitioners to deliver care. Our care is person-centred and holistic, where the goals of care are discussed and agreed to by the guest and family. Please note family is not defined as blood relatives, it is defined as all those that are important to the person at the centre of our care.
For all referrals – including medical and nursing professionals, allied health, case managers, family, friends and self – please email referrals@achg.org.au Our Nurse Manager or Community Outreach Nurse will meet and assess the person and carer offsite. If Anam Cara House Geelong is the most suitable organisation to care for the person, then admission is arranged in collaboration with the medical practitioner.
Community Outreach
Support, care and equipment to help your loved one stay comfortable at home.
We provide people living with a chronic or life-limiting diagnosis with in-home palliative care assessments, assistance with advanced care, my aged care and end-of-life journey planning. This includes liaising with general practitioners and medical professionals, as well as a personalised delivery of care in the comfort of your own home. For all referrals – including medical and nursing professionals, allied health, case managers, family, friends and self – please contact the office on 5222 5831. Our Community Outreach Nurses will then make an appointment to meet with the person and carer to assess their needs.
We also have a free Equipment Loan Bank including electric beds, shower stools, chairs for showers, wheel chairs, electric lift chairs etc. Equipment can be requested by Allied Health practitioners, where Anam Cara House Geelong will deliver directly to the client. If a request is made directly by the person or carer, our Community Outreach Nurse will visit to assess and discuss suitability for the equipment, and provide education. Items that are no longer required are paid forward to those in need in the community through our ‘Pay It Forward Bank’ initiative.
Jeanette & Chris - The Carer's Story
Anam Cara provides support and care for all of our guests, but let's not forget how important it is to help the hard-working carers, too.
24 hours 7 days a week with her partner Chris, Jeanette was never getting a break as his full-time carer. Anam Cara ticked all the boxes. When Chris goes to Anam Cara he is almost euphoric. Jeanette turns around and walks away with her big list of things to do, she never turns around and looks back – she knows he is safe.
