It’s all
about
LIVING
There is dignity, care, compassion and quality of life after diagnosis of a serious illness.
We deliver vital healthcare and support services.
The butterfly is the symbol of Hospice and Palliative Care. It symbolizes personal transformation because of the impressive process of metamorphosis it goes through. Butterflies teach us that changes in our lives are inevitable, however, they do not have to be traumatic. The butterfly teaches us to embrace personal transformation and the changes of our environment and body, even though it is difficult.
The butterfly is the symbol of Hospice and Palliative Care. It symbolizes personal transformation because of the impressive process of metamorphosis it goes through. Butterflies teach us that changes in our lives are inevitable; however, they do not have to be traumatic. The butterfly teaches us to embrace personal transformation and the changes of our environment and body, even though it is difficult.
Services
Our basic palliative nursing care is available free to all community members in their homes. We serve Barrydale and the surrounding farms in the Overberg and Klein Karoo.
Home Nursing & Care
Respite Care
Advanced Wound Care
Care Education & Support
Telehealth
Nursing Care
Bereavement Care
Contact Us
Community Health Programme
Our Community Health Programme uses an integrated approach to provide our rural community with increased access to health, increased health literacy on communicable and noncommunicable diseases and practical learning workshops.
It is a supportive and complementary service to the overburdened public health service. Barrydale Hospice works to strengthen efforts for early detection, prevention, treatment adherence and self management. We provide screening, testing, monitoring and referral. We also deliver deepened health literacy support and practical adaptation workshops for lifestyle change to improve health outcomes.
We go directly to our patients and beneficiaries due to their transport and resource limitations – in underserved locations around Barrydale and the surrounding farms in the Overberg and Klein Karoo.
Our Community
Barrydale Hospice is situated within the rural town of Barrydale in the Western Cape, at the intersection of the Klein Karoo and Overberg. Our services extend to surrounding farms in the Klein Karoo and Overberg. Barrydale is a safe and scenic village offering tranquility, lovely weather and an open-hearted community. It has become a popular place for people wishing to retire.
Barrydale has a population of approximately 6000, and a further 3000 people are spread around the neighbouring farming area.
Historical spatial separation is marked, the stark evidence showing up in the wide socio-economic gap between sectors of the population.
Our Story
Barrydale Hospice was established in 2013, when a group of pioneering volunteers led by Sr Joanna, a palliative care specialist, began to address the lack of essential health services in the village, there being no doctor, pharmacy or general hospital. It was registered as an NPO in 2016 and has since been accredited as a Level 1 Hospice with the APCC – Association of Palliative Care Centre. The work has grown to provide hospice and palliative care in the village and surrounding farm areas, in an estimated population of 9000.
Many patients are from vulnerable communities, living below the poverty line. Barrydale Hospice has recognised the escalating prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, HIV/Aids, TB, depression and substance abuse, and the need for more education, care and support surrounding these issues.
Barrydale Hospice endeavours to constantly improve on reporting, data capture and analysis, and has been seeking innovative ways to improve palliative and basic health care. Currently employed are Sr Nickie Crookes, as the Barrydale Hospice Medical Manager, and four qualified home-based carers.
Patients are referred by doctors or family members and receive nursing care for medical conditions relating to terminal and debilitating illnesses. Family members are supported to provide on-going care and are in communication with the sister as necessary. Psychosocial counselling is provided, and practical or material assistance is given- for e.g. with grant applications or nutrition. Bereavement counselling and practical support around bereavement is provided.
Four longstanding home carers undertake care services and are closely supervised by the sister through mentoring and training. All of them completed training in basic home-based palliative care .
How you can support
We welcome volunteers to support our community outreach programmes.