Hospice sets books ‘free’

Dozens of books are being set free in the community this week, in the hope that people will find them and take them home to read and give feedback on Facebook.More than 50 novels, non-fiction titles and children’s books are being dropped in random places by Warkworth Wellsford Hospice staff, to celebrate Hospice Awareness Week.

Warkworth Wellsford Hospice general manager Kathryn Ashworth says each book comes with an attractive bookmark containing a brief message about hospice.

“We hope people will read the message and remember that hospice is here when a life-limiting illness affects someone they know,” she says.

“Most people want to be at home when they are sick, and we will do whatever we can to make that possible.”

Kathryn says most patients find it hard to accept when they are told their illness cannot be cured. At this stage, hospice can help by providing information about medications and treatment options, offering counselling and helping access benefits, equipment and practical support.

The aim is to help patients to carry on living as fully as possible, for as long as possible.

Patients whose illness is more advanced can receive regular phone calls and visits from a hospice nurse, as well as services such as massage therapy, volunteers to provider respite for carers, and access to the inpatient unit at Takapuna.

“Whether a patient is relatively well or very ill, our focus is on helping them to do the things they still want to do.”

To keep tabs on hospice’s book drop, go to www.facebook.com/wwhospice and Like the page.