how to apply for a stay at bear cottage

eligibility

To apply for a stay at Bear Cottage, we need to determine if your family is eligible. Children suffering from the following life limiting illnesses may be eligible for care:

• Neuro-degenerative disorders
• Muscular dystrophies and other neuromuscular disorders
• Cystic fibrosis
• Mucopolysaccharidosis
• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Cardiac disease
• Renal disease
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Congenital anomalies

referral process

Referrals can be made by telephoning Bear Cottage. A referral can come from one of the following:

• Medical officers (specialist or general practitioner)
• Community nurses
• Social workers
• Families themselves

For a referral to proceed a medical intake form will need to be completed by the medical officer responsible for the child's care. This form will be sent to the families to forward onto their medical officer. Once returned to Bear Cottage the information will be reviewed by the intake committee. In cases of an emergency, the hospice manager can be contacted directly.

intake review committee

The intake review committee assesses each referral individually.

The committee comprises:

• Hospice manager
• Pain and palliative care team representatives
• Bear Cottage nursing staff
• Bear Cottage GP on call

Families who are not eligible for admission to Bear Cottage will be referred to other appropriate services for respite/support.

New referrals will be accepted from children aged between birth and 16 years, with a life limiting illness. Exceptions can be made for end-of-life care.

Children who have been previously treated in a paediatric facility, will be accepted until their 18th birthday.

priority admission

Admissions will be given priority according to the following criteria:

• End-of-life care - where death is imminent and expected to occur at Bear Cottage
• Emergency admission for symptom management
• Respite care - emergency
• Respite care - planned