The Toowoomba Hospice Association is to receive a much-needed boost in the form of a $10,000 donation from Home Instead Charities, with the help of National Seniors Australia’s local Garden City branch.

The hospice says it will use the money to install a new nurse call system which is effective and sensitive to the needs of patients reaching their end-of-life stage.

Home Instead Australia Chief Operating Officer Georgia Downes says the philanthropic arm of the in-home aged care provider is delighted to support the Toowoomba Hospice with its upgrade of the new nurse call system.

“We are passionate about maintaining the dignity of Australians as they age and we feel there is nothing more important than assisting those at their end-of-life stage with peace and grace,” Ms Downes said.

The new nurse call system is called the Rauland Buzzer system which minimises disturbance to other patients by avoiding loud buzzer sounds and emergency pull cords.

The Rauland Buzzer system is audible enough for nurses to respond to a client needing assistance.

Toowoomba Hospice Fundraising Manager Mark Munro says the new system will improve care for its patients at a time when it’s needed most.

“This is a very generous donation and it’s only been made possible with the help of Home Instead and National Seniors.

“This will help Toowoomba Hospice maintain the professional quality care to those with a terminal illness as we have done over the last 19 years.

“We can’t thank enough our partners in this from Home Instead and National Seniors’ Garden City Branches,” Mr Munro said.

National Seniors Australia General Manager Chris Grice says he is proud of the branch and their involvement in the community.

“This is another example of the great community spirit and involvement which is genuinely and proactively trying to make a difference to help older Australians”, he said.

“A lot of people know National Seniors for our tireless advocacy work we do nationally, but there is a lot we do at the community level too and that is indicative by the unsung efforts of our Toowoomba Garden City Branches as witnessed here at the Toowoomba Hospice.”

ABOUT THE TOOWOOMBA HOSPICE

The Toowoomba Hospice first opened its doors back in 2003 and since then has cared for over 1,750 people.

It offers up to three months of palliative care to patients free of charge except for the cost of medications.

It relies on the work of more than 70 volunteers and almost half of its budget comes from fundraising and donations with the state government contributing $920,000 each year.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD CHARITIES

Home Instead Charities is the philanthropic arm of Home Instead Australia.

Previously known as the Home Instead Foundation, it was renamed Home Instead Charities late last year and a focus was implemented to encourage donations directly to the organisation to help groups supporting vulnerable older Australians.

Donations over $2 are fully tax deductible and Home Instead Charities is a registered Australian charity with full DGR status.

ABOUT NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA

National Seniors Australia is the country’s peak not-for-profit advocacy organisation for all older Australians and has member branches throughout the nation.

Through the work of its respected research and member feedback, it advocates change to government policy to improve the lives of seniors whether it be for health, retirement income, lifestyle and concessions.

It also offers older Australians a range of quality services through its business partners with discounts including insurance, travel and regularly offers members publications in the form of a quarterly magazine and weekly newsletters.