Supporting Our Caregivers
For caregivers like Mdm Florence, who supported loved ones through hospice, that care left a lasting impact. Many families who have experienced Dover Park Hospice’s holistic care return as volunteers to guide other families through grief, and offer the same comfort they once received.
HOLISTIC SUPPORT THROUGH SOCIAL WORK AND THERAPY
Dover Park Hospice’s social work and therapy services differ from that of hospital care by addressing the whole person—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual—to reduce distress and promote acceptance. They offer tailored psychosocial therapies and support families in managing caregiving challenges, adapting care to individual needs and confronting deep concerns like hopelessness and death anxiety.
Number of Patients / Next of Kin cared for by the teams
Inpatient Care
Home Care
Day Care
Art Therapy
Music Therapy
Monthly Coffee Time (Caregivers’ Support Group)
A psycho-educational program, which enhances caregivers’ knowledge, self-awareness, and coping skills, in a warm, welcoming space. Caregivers learn about palliative care, symptom management, communication, and self-care, helping to reduce caregiver burden and improve well-being. Studies have shown these interventions boost palliative care knowledge, self-awareness, caregiving preparedness, and reduce psychological distress.
participants including caregivers and staff
Annual Rose for Remembrance Memorial Ceremony
Hospice memorial services, as part of bereavement support, aid the grieving process.
family members attended
patients honoured
Positive Impact: Research indicates that memorial services can be a positive experience for bereaved individuals, particularly through the symbolism and rituals used.
Acknowledgment of Loss: The service format allows for a formal acknowledgment of the death and the associated grief, which can be helpful in the healing process.
Addressing Distress: Creates a safe common space and permission to express, externalise and experience distress - to process personal feelings of sadness and remembrance, and is considered a natural part of the grieving process.
Formal Setting: The formality of the memorial service can provide a structured and supportive environment for the bereaved to process their grief and connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
Part of Comprehensive Bereavement Support: Memorial services are often integrated into broader support which include individual and group counselling, grief support groups, and other resources.
Interdisciplinary Involvement: Involves various members of the interdisciplinary hospice team, including social workers and volunteers to provide a range of support.
Acknowledgment of Spiritual Needs: Spiritual needs are an important part of the grieving process, and memorial services can address these needs through readings, prayers, or other spiritual practices.