How Hospice Care Works
South Coast Hospice is a Non-Profit organisation, which provides care to people living with a life threatening or life limiting illness.
Referral to the program is undertaken by your doctor, oncologist or clinic. This is done by using our referral form and must include a confirmed diagnosis.
Your Private doctor/specialist can continue to manage your illness, with our Palliative Care team providing pain control, symptomatic care and support, to improve the quality of your life.
Your care is provided in your own home and is managed by our clinical manager. Our medical director, Dr Hilton Horsley, guides and advises the Hospice team.
Hospice uses an interdisciplinary team comprising of nurses, carers, a psycho-social counselor and a social worker.
South Coast Hospice has a Day Clinic where wound/stoma care and general health checks can be done, by appointment.
At South Coast Hospice, our mission is to provide an individualized care plan of physical, emotional, spiritual/cultural and practical care centered around your requirements. Controlling pain and other symptoms are considered an essential element of the care we provide.
We strive to make it possible for you to remain as independent as possible in familiar and comfortable surroundings of your choice.
Your family/caregivers are always included in the care plan.

The Cost Of Service
South Coast Hospice charges a basic admission fee which includes the first assessment in your home, as well as basic admin fees.
Thereafter a nominal fee is charged for each home visit, that will cover the cost of care.
Many Medical Aid service providers have funds available specifically for Palliative Care and an Advance Illness Benefit that will cover the costs of your care. Please enquire with your Medical Aid whether you are covered.
You will not be turned away due to a lack of financial resources. The financial burden of your illness can be a worry, please speak to us about your concerns.

The True Value of Hospice Care
An interdisciplinary team approach in palliative care is crucial because it addresses the holistic needs of patients and their families, going beyond just medical treatment to encompass physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. This approach leads to better outcomes, improved quality of life, and more comprehensive support for those facing serious illnesses.

What do you get when care is provided by an interdisciplinary team?
Comprehensive Care:
Palliative care aims to address the multifaceted needs of patients, including pain & symptom management, emotional support, and practical assistance. An interdisciplinary team can provide this comprehensive care by integrating expertise from various disciplines.

Improved Quality of Life:
By addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients, palliative care can significantly improve their quality of life, even in the face of serious illness.

Patient-Centered Care:
An interdisciplinary team approach allows for a more patient-centered approach, where the team works collaboratively with the patient and their family to understand their individual needs and goals of care.

Enhanced Communication and Coordination:
Interdisciplinary teams facilitate better communication and coordination among healthcare providers, leading to more effective and efficient care.

Increased Access to Resources:
Interdisciplinary teams can provide access to a wider range of resources, including support groups, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists, who can address the diverse needs of patients and families.

Shared Decision-Making:
Interdisciplinary teams encourage shared decision-making between healthcare providers, patients, and families, ensuring that treatment plans align with the patient's values and preferences.

Improved Outcomes:
Studies have shown that interdisciplinary palliative care teams can lead to improved outcomes, including reduced pain and symptom burden, increased patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.

Patient and Family Support:
Interdisciplinary teams provide ongoing emotional, practical, and spiritual support to patients and families, helping them navigate the challenges of serious illness and end-of-life care.