Every Thursday you’ll see Howard’s smiling face at Hospice’s group exercise class, doing physiotherapy to music to help with strength and mobility. He’s been under Hospice care for around 18 months and looks forward to his Thursdays where he is part of the Hospice West Auckland whānau.
It was during the many hospital appointments that followed his cancer diagnosis when the staff suggested Hospice as a source of extra support. “The hospital said, have you heard about Hospice, and I said no,” he explains. “They told me, they help you with your health transition, they’ve got certain programmes you can adapt to, and it helps with your journey. So I said, of course, and a couple of weeks later I got a call from Hospice West Auckland.”
That first meeting was eye-opening. “They explained what Hospice was all about and gave me a booklet on Advance Care Planning,” says Howard. “When I opened it up and looked at it, I mean, it wasn’t something you want to think about. Some of the questions are very confronting, and I thought ‘I’m not ready for this’. But I take a look at it every now and then and chip away at it, and when it’s full I’ll take it to my nurse.”
Hospice has helped Howard focus on living well. Regular check-ins with his primary care nurse Sipho ensure his medication is managed and symptoms are under control. And at any given time, help is just a phone call away: “The people here are great, and if I’ve got any problems I just ring Sipho.”
Group physiotherapy class, Christmas 2024
Wraparound care in the form of exercise groups and massage therapy have become part of Howard’s regular routine. “The classes keep me moving,” he says. “They are great people too. We have fun, we learn from each other and at the end we share a cup of tea and cake. They’re good people.”
Like many people, Howard wasn’t aware of what Hospice was before he was referred. “I used to see the building and thought it was just an old folks’ home,” he says.
“Some people would say, you go in there and you don’t come out. But when the hospital told me about Hospice West Auckland, I gave it a go, and I haven’t looked back.” Now he shares his experience openly with friends and family, helping to change those misconceptions in the community. “I’ve got a big family and a lot of friends. When they ask how I am, I tell them about Hospice and that I spend my Thursdays here. I say, they look after you, it’s a good thing, I’m glad I went.”
Recently, Howard recommended Hospice to a friend struggling with heart problems. “I told him, if you have any problems, go to Hospice — they’ll look after you. That’s all I can say, because that’s what they’ve done for me.”
Howard has also seen Hospice’s efforts to honour different cultural needs. “They’ve been trying different things — cultural groups, Whānau Māori Kaitahi… I’ve only been to one lunch myself, but they’re making sure everyone feels included, it’s not just one-size-fits-all. And they don’t push anything on you – it’s just about making sure you feel supported.”
For Howard, staying positive is key. “On the outside I look healthy, but it’s the inside that’s killing me,” he says matter-of-factly. “Hospice helps me keep positive. I try to eat healthy, stay fit, and take my medicine. That’s all I can do, and Hospice tries to make sure you’re feeling as good as possible. I’ve got grandchildren, and I want to be there for them.”
