5 things you didn't know about Franklin Hospice
At Franklin Hospice, we’re known for providing compassionate, specialist palliative care — but there’s a lot more to us than meets the eye. Whether you’re new to hospice services or have supported us for years, here are five things you might not know about Franklin Hospice:
1. We Don't Have An Inpatient Unit - We Come To You
Franklin Hospice doesn’t operate a dedicated hospice facility — because we bring care to where you’re most comfortable: your home. Whether you're in a private residence, retirement village, or aged care facility, our team travels across the Franklin region to support you. Each year, we complete over 2,452 home visits, ensuring patients receive the care they need, when and where they need it most.
2. Our Services Are Completely Free
Franklin Hospice provides care and support to around 400 patients annually, all at no cost to them or their families. While we receive some government funding, it doesn’t cover the full cost of delivering our services. That’s why community fundraising, donations, and the support of our Op Shop are so vital — they help bridge the gap so we can continue to care for those who need us.
3. We Help Lift Palliative Care Knowledge Across The Franklin Region
Franklin Hospice isn’t just here for our patients and their whānau/family — we also support the wider healthcare community. Each year, we provide over 3,000 instances of palliative advice or training to other health professionals. By sharing our knowledge, we help ensure the Franklin community receives high-quality, consistent care — no matter who’s providing it.
4. We Support The Whole Whānau/Family - Throughout The Journey And Beyond
Life-limiting conditions can be overwhelming for everyone involved. That's why we're here to support the whole whānau/family with guidance, practical help, and emotional care throughout the journey. Our support doesn't stop when someone passes - we continue to offer advice and a caring presence during the weeks and months that follow, helping families navigate grief in their own time and way.
5. There's A Lot More Than Medical Care
Our holistic approach means we offer complementary therapies like massage, mirimiri, reiki, aromatherapy and counselling to support wellbeing. We also have volunteers who provide companionship, write biographies, or simply offer a listening ear. Franklin Hospice care is about comfort in every sense — physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical.
Want to Learn More?
If you'd like to know more about how we help, or ways to support Franklin Hospice, we’d love to hear from you. Every bit of help — whether it’s volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading the word — makes a real difference.