November 2004

Chums find cheer at Bendigo day hospice

A new day hospice in Bendigo is giving palliative care patients much-needed time out to relax and make new friends.

Visiting Chum House Day Hospice, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Government had provided $200,000 to pilot the Palliative Care Day Hospice at Chum House over 18 months–the first of its kind in country Victoria.

‘This unique program allows palliative care patients in Bendigo to get out of the house and meet new people in a supportive and friendly environment,’ Ms Pike said.

‘At Chum House, people take time out to paint, read, meditate and be massaged as part of a group of up to six.

‘Chum House gives carers precious time off from looking after loved ones while giving patients the opportunity to be independent and spend valuable days out of home.’

The Chum House service is collaboration between Bendigo Health Care Group, the Uniting Church and specially-trained volunteers from across the Bendigo community.

It has been operating since March.

‘It’s preferable for palliative care patients to live in their own homes with the support of their families and carers for as long as they are able,’ Ms Pike said.

‘But this is not always possible and, sometimes, both carers and patients need a break from the daily routine.

Ms Pike said Chum House was one of three day hospice programs being piloted across Victoria.

‘The Government has provided $600,000 to trial these programs and examine the effectiveness of day hospices in Victoria.

‘We are working with local communities to provide more flexible and effective care options for country Victorians.’

The other pilot programs are at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem in Caulfield and Mercy Western Palliative Care/Western Health in Sunshine.