Five years of Hospice Katharinenhaus: a place of humanity celebrated!

Five years of Hospice Katharinenhaus: a place of humanity celebrated!

On September 20th, guests at the Caritas Katharinenhaus hospice in Hermsdorf were able to experience a very special summer party. The occasion was the five-year anniversary of the facility, which supports and accompanies seriously ill and dying people. Among the well-wishers was Reinickendorf's district mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU), who emphasized in her speech that a hospice is not just a place of the end, but rather a place of encounter, compassion and humanity. The mayor praised the work of the volunteers and the two associations that work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the seriously ill, and made it clear: “Despite its finitude, life gains in value and depth.” Berlin.de reports about this important celebration.

The Caritas Hospice Katharinenhaus offers a warm-hearted environment in which not only the patients but also their relatives receive comprehensive support. Starting with qualified nursing and medical care through to individual support from social services and pastoral support - here, dying becomes a dignified farewell that focuses on the quality of life in the final weeks and days despite the most serious illness. This commitment is part of a broader trend in German society that affects hospice work and palliative care.

A look at the hospice movement

The hospice movement originated in the 1960s and has been firmly established in Germany since the 1980s. The circle of people supported is constantly expanding, and there are currently around 1,000 outpatient hospice services nationwide. Loud Diakonie.de There are now 282 inpatient hospices in Germany: 262 for adults and 20 for children and young people. These facilities not only offer palliative care, but also emotional and spiritual support until the last breath. The financing ensures an interesting mix: 95% through health insurance companies and 5% through private donations.

Hospice work not only has the task of alleviating physical suffering, it also includes a strong emotional component that manifests itself in support and companionship for relatives. This helps to alleviate the worries and fears of those affected and their families.

Current challenges in hospice work

More and more people in the last phase of life are finding their place in hospices and care facilities. But the industry also faces challenges: staff shortages and inadequate training are common issues. Tagesschau.de mentioned that palliative care is currently not recognized as a focus in nursing training, which makes it difficult to provide adequate care for patients. In view of demographic change, increased palliative care is urgently needed, especially in nursing homes.

The upcoming debate in the Bundestag on October 17th will discuss ways to improve palliative care and hospice work. In addition, World Hospice Day, celebrated on the second Saturday in October, is just around the corner, a day that aims to raise public awareness of issues surrounding death, dying and grief.

The Katharinenhaus hospice does valuable work and remains a bright place where humanity and warmth accompany the last days.