* FAQ – Frequently asked questions
What is Anam Cara House?
A six bed ground floor respite facility which provides accommodation and choice in short-term specialised care in a home-like environment for people with a life threatening illness. Upstairs, six rooms provide additional low cost accommodation for families or for individuals requiring proximity to guests in the hospice or community members wanting to stay in close proximity to nearby hospitals. Anam Cara is Gaelic for ‘soul friends’.
Where is it located?
In the historic two-storey Presbytery located in the beautiful grounds of St. Mary’s Basilica Geelong, on the corner of Yarra and Myers Streets.
What is offered at Anam Cara House?
A choice in place of respite care, offering a centre of excellence in personalised care for guests and support as required for their carers – families, children and even house trained pets will be welcome.
What staffing will be available?
There are qualified nursing staff available 24 hours a day at Anam Cara House for the Day Hospice and Overnight Respite Programs. Assistance is also available from dedicated community volunteers and our guests’ own doctors will be able to attend if required.
What are the benefits?
The availability of timely and flexible respite care that will underpin home-care – the preferred place of care for most people. Anam Cara also offers day activities, information, education, complementary therapies and bereavement care in a compassionate and caring manner that promotes community capacity building and well-being.
Who will benefit from this service?
- People of all ages and denominations with a life threatening illness who require short-term accommodation and care – either day stay, overnight or short term stay – within a ‘home-like’ environment.
- The carers of our hospice guests will receive support and time-out while their beloved ones are accessing respite care at Anam Cara House – hopefully enabling them to continue home care.
- The community at large and guests and families in general via shared supportive experiences, positive interactions and important opportunities for communication and information – for guests, families, volunteers and the wider community.
What will guests pay to stay at Anam Cara House?
There is no charge for the Day Hospice and Overnight Respite programs but there is a nominal charge of $40 per night for the Carers Accommodation at Anam Cara House.
Voluntary contributions from guests will be gratefully received and are tax deductible.
How will Anam Cara be funded?
Funding is being sourced within the Geelong and District community from private contributions, donations and community fundraising plus some significant philanthropic support. As an identified community need, Anam Cara House has to date raised $1.2 million but will require further substantial support to ensure its sustainability. No government funding has been secured to date. As a community initiative, Anam Cara House’s is relying on the generous support of Geelong people.
The current projected annual operating budget is approximately $400,000. This figure increases substantially as each additional night of overnight respite is introduced.
Are donations tax deductible?
Anam Cara House is endorsed as a Tax Exempt Charity and has full deductible gift recipent status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
For further information please contact us.