Who We Are.
Anam Cara House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing unique care for people living with a life-limiting illness.
About Us
At Anam Cara House Geelong, we envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, experience quality of life at end-of-life, and to die well in the place they choose.
Anam Cara House Geelong exists to provide support services for people from Geelong and the wider region who are living with a chronic or life-limiting illness. Support is also extended to their families and carers.
Our services are available to people who are seeking palliative care including day and overnight palliative care, 24-hour end-of-life care, community outreach and equipment loan. Care occurs in a unique, home-like environment with best practice clinical care and support from trained palliative care volunteers. The focus of palliative care is on the quality of life, symptom management and comfort.
With us, it’s always personal
Specially trained volunteers assist the nursing staff to care for and support the guests in our day/overnight palliative care and end-of-life care. This allows us to care differently, truly person-centred and holistic.
The highest quality healthcare
Accreditation, credentialling, selective recruitment come together to ensure our highly skilled and experienced staff provide the highest quality, person-centred and holistic care.
Improving the quality of your life at home
Our Community Outreach team are dedicated registered Nurses committed to enhancing and supporting the quality of life for those living with a life-limiting illness including assessment and referral, care navigation, advanced care planning and equipment loan.
Access to medical and nursing excellence
Competent, skilled, and compassionate palliative care health professionals, caring for people with a chronic illness or life-limiting illness, in a comfortable and welcoming home-like environment.
Our History
In the early 2000s, Diane Wright OAM, a local family and bereavement counsellor who watched families struggle to care for loved ones at home, mobilised a local working group of like-minded people.
Along with this vision came the help of Father Kevin Dillon who gave up his home for the establishment of Anam Cara House Geelong, which led to support from local businesses, healthcare providers, professionals, philanthropists, and government bodies.
Almost 15 years on, the vision holds steadfast. Anam Cara House Geelong now operates on a 24-hour basis, is fully accredited, non-denominational and governed by senior figures from local businesses and community, who are passionate about transforming the end-of-life experience for the Geelong community.
Our Current House
Anam Cara House Geelong is set in the former genU building (Kardinia House circa 1850). The building was kindly provided with thanks to the vision of genU Geelong. It is our temporary home while our brand-new, purpose-built home is constructed at Deakin University Waurn Ponds.
The site includes lush gardens and an incredible view of the Barwon River for our guests to enjoy. Tours of the facility can be arranged by appointment.
The new Anam Cara House Geelong Is Coming Soon
Due to the demand now and in the future of our growing region, we’ve outgrown our 4-bed facility and are currently building our new world-class, purpose-built home.
Opening in late 2022, the new Anam Cara House Geelong will be located in a beautiful rural setting with elevated views at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds. Architecturally designed with 20 private bedrooms, open communal areas and landscaped gardens, it has been carefully designed to feel like a home for guests, their families and carers.
Our Company
Anam Cara House Geelong Ltd was registered with ASIC in March 2008. Anam Cara House Geelong Ltd is registered by the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission. We are a public, non-denominational, not-for-profit, company limited by guarantee. We are governed under the laws of the Corporations Act; a company constitution, and a Board of Directors.
Anam Cara House Geelong is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient under subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 – Date of effect is 25 September 2003. Anam Cara House Geelong is endorsed as a health promotion charity for charity tax concessions.
Our professional staff provide excellence in person-centred palliative care services. The large trained volunteer base of Anam Cara House Geelong complement the Directors and professional staff by undertaking a wide range of duties – from general administration and housekeeping to fundraising and companionship for guests.
Our people
Anam Cara House Geelong is governed by the Voluntary Board of Directors, drawn from the ranks of Geelong’s professional associations.
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News
Keep up to date with what’s happening at Anam Cara House Geelong, including the progress of our exciting new home opening in late 2022!
