Strength and support when life is in transition Karuna is a Brisbane-based charity established to help people live a meaningful and happy life while embracing uncertainty and change. Life is our most precious possession. Its loss our most difficult yet inescapable experience. Karuna believes that having the skills and support to face the challenges and uncertainty can make the journey easier. As a result, we have developed models of care and education which help people understand, prepare for and face the end of life with calm and acceptance. Since 1992 Karuna has used its expertise and compassion to help thousands of individuals and families cope with loss. We take the time to understand your needs and provide a holistic approach to delivering the best possible support. In serving the community Karuna strives to follow the inspirational ideals and examples set by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Karuna’s Spiritual Patron, whose own lifelong mission is to serve others with universal compassion and kindness. These are Karuna’s underlying values. Karuna relies heavily on the kindness of others. Only a portion of our funding comes from Queensland Health and the remaining money must be raised through donations. Community support is vital. Karuna Hospice Services Ltd. PO Box 2020 Windsor Queensland 4030 27 Cartwright Street Windsor Queensland 4030 Phone: (07) 3632 8300 Fax: (07) 3857 8040 Email: karuna@karuna.org.au Web: www.karuna.org.au
Care, compassion and kindness when life is in transition
Care when you need it most In-home care
Bereavement
Karuna’s in-home care allows people with a life changing
Karuna has a reputation as an international leader in
health condition to stay in the comfort of their own home,
bereavement support. We have a wealth of experience and
where they can be with family and receive the best of care.
expertise helping people suffering from grief and loss.
Our specialist staff and volunteers work in partnership with
We provide:
families and we make decisions together. Services are free
• counselling
of charge and available to people of all ages including children and young carers. Caring for a family member at home can be a completely
memorial services • Mind Life Wellbeing workshops and courses • online information
condition can be the most difficult time of your life. We
• telephone support through Care-on-Call
understand this, and are here to make things easier. When
freecall 1800 772 273.
provide reassurance, confidence and support.
Philip and I were the happiest we had ever been in our lives. We had just finished building the farm we had dreamt of for years. But one day, not long after we moved in, Philip was diagnosed with cancer and that changed everything.
• closure ceremonies including funerals and
new and unfamiliar role and having a life changing health
feeling overwhelmed and uncertain we will be there to
Our family will always be thankful to Karuna for helping us achieve the ‘impossible’…
Accessing Karuna’s services Admission to Karuna’s in-home care can be arranged through a: • direct request from you or a family member • general practitioner or specialist
We service Brisbane North, Caboolture and Redcliffe areas. In addition, helpful information is available online www.karuna.org.au Our free services include: • assessment of client and family needs
• treating clinic or hospital. Karuna’s admitting team will work with your medical practitioner to ensure appropriate coordination of care and then meet with you and your family. This can happen either at Karuna or in your home. An individual care plan will be
• 24/7 home nursing care for pain and symptom management
developed in consultation with you and your carer.
• nursing equipment
We also have qualified counsellors who can provide
• family counselling and emotional support
information about:
• spiritual support
• palliative care
• carer education, training and support • meditation programs • companionship and family support • respite care • linkage to other community and social services • telephone support through Care-on-Call freecall 1800 772 273.
• local services and support organisations • counselling and emotional support for grief, loss and bereavement.
The first few years after the diagnosis we looked for answers and tried everything. However, despite Philip’s amazing determination to ‘beat’ his cancer, he started to get very sick and we realized he was not going to get better. His pain was terrible, he was unsteady and unable to manage most functions on his own. The hospital advised us that he should stay in their care but Philip had different ideas, he was coming home and I was determined to do everything I could to honour his wishes. Although I was scared, Karuna helped me believe we could get through this. Karuna was with us at every turn, extending the care beyond just Philip by supporting the whole family. Karuna kept us going. Philip’s passing, as sad and difficult as it was, will always shine a light of warmth in my heart. We did it! We fulfilled the greatest and biggest wish he had, to die at home surrounded by the love of his family and his favourite music. At home we gave him what no hospital could have, a view that meant the world to him, a place that filled his heart, the people he cared about most and Harry, his dog, lying with him to the end.