Who We Are.
Anam Cara House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing a comprehensive range of palliative care services tailored to individual and family needs.
About Us
We envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, experience quality of life at end-of-life, and to die well in the place they choose.
At Anam Cara, we hold a profound belief: our guests are not merely patients, but cherished members of our extended family and community. Families and even beloved pets are welcomed with open arms, fostering an atmosphere of healing and togetherness.
Our ethos revolves around achieving “the things that matter most” for our guests. Whether it’s sharing a favourite meal with family, enjoying music, or simply savouring the quiet moments of reflection – we prioritise the unique preferences and desires of each guest, guiding them towards a dignified and peaceful end-of-life experience, what we refer to as, “a beautiful death”.
At the heart of our mission lies a solemn pledge: “You will be respected, cared for with dignity, and receive the highest standard of care”. This commitment serves as our guiding principle, shaping every interaction, decision, and moment of care for our guests, their families and carers.”
With us, it’s always personal
Specially trained volunteers assist the nursing staff to care for and support the guests in our day and overnight palliative care, and end-of-life care. This allows us to care differently; truly person-centred and holistic.
The highest quality healthcare
Accreditation, credentialling and selective recruitment come together to ensure our highly skilled and experienced staff provide the highest quality person-centred and holistic care.
Improving the quality of your life at home
Our Community Outreach team are dedicated registered Nurses committed to enhancing and supporting the quality of life for those living with a life-limiting diagnosis – including assessment and referral, care navigation, advanced care planning and equipment loan.
Access to medical and nursing excellence
Competent, skilled, and compassionate palliative care health professionals, caring for people with a chronic or life-limiting diagnosis, in a comfortable and welcoming home-like environment.
Our History ~ Anam Cara House Geelong, Myers Street.
In the early 2000s, Diane Wright OAM, a local family and bereavement counsellor who watched families struggle to care for loved ones at home, mobilised a local working group of like-minded people.
Along with this vision came the help of Father Kevin Dillon who gave up his home for the establishment of Anam Cara House Geelong, Myers Street, which led to support from local businesses, healthcare providers, professionals, philanthropists, and government bodies.
Almost 17 years on, the vision holds steadfast. Anam Cara House Geelong now operates on a 24-hour basis, is fully accredited, non-denominational and governed by senior figures from local businesses and community, who are passionate about transforming the end-of-life experience for the Geelong community.
Stage 1 Complete: The new Anam Cara
Due to the demand now and in the future, we outgrew our 4-bed facility and in 2021 completed our new world-class, purpose-built palliative care hospital.
Located in a beautiful rural setting with elevated views at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds, this boutique hospital boasts 20 private bedrooms (12 completed in Stage 1), open communal areas and landscaped gardens. It has been carefully designed to blend hospital standards with the comforts of home, providing a serene backdrop for guests to find solace amidst the challenges of their journey.
Our Company
Anam Cara House Geelong Ltd was registered with ASIC in March 2008. Anam Cara House Geelong Ltd is registered by the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission. We are a public, non-denominational, not-for-profit, company limited by guarantee. We are governed under the laws of the Corporations Act; a company constitution, and a Board of Directors.
Anam Cara House Geelong is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient under subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 – Date of effect is 25 September 2003. Anam Cara House Geelong is endorsed as a health promotion charity for charity tax concessions.
Our professional staff provide excellence in person-centred palliative care services. The large trained volunteer base of Anam Cara House Geelong complement the Directors and professional staff by undertaking a wide range of duties – from assisting with general administration and housekeeping, activities, gardening to fundraising and companionship for guests.
Our people
Anam Cara House Geelong is governed by the voluntary Board of Directors, drawn from the ranks of Geelong’s professional associations.
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