Home-Based Palliative Care for Restored Hope and Dignity
Who we are
We believe life is precious no matter the stage and are committed to helping patients live well through compassionate, palliative care.
We are a collaborative team of nurses, doctors, social workers, dieticians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists who address patients’ needs through home-based medical care.
We are a SARS registered Public Benefit Organisation
NPC 2018/639868/08 NPO 220-962
Our expert care, delivered by a specially trained team, improves patients' quality of life by offering symptom relief and positively influencing the course of illness.
Beacon of Care supports patients within Ballito, Salt Rock, from Westbrook to Grouteville and Shakaskraal
We prevent and relieve suffering through early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other problems associated with life-limiting illnesses. Our home-based care involves visits by health professionas based on patient and family need.
The extra layer of support does not replace the treating doctor and we collaborate with nursing agencies or home-based carers, pastors, and other health professionals, with the patient (and their family) being at the head of the team.
Our admission criteria include:
Patients with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, end-stage dementia, heart-failure, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and motor neuron disease.
What we do
Meet The Team
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Rebecca Howie is a registered nurse. She completed a certificate in Palliative Nursing with the Hospice and Palliative care association of South Africa (now APCC) in 2020 and graduated with a Diploma in Palliative Medicine at UCT in 2023.
“I am drawn to palliative care because the focus is not only on the physical, but also the spiritual and psychosocial parts of a person. I enjoy being with people in their own environment where they are comfortable. I find great meaning in being with people (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses and helping them maximise their quality of life.”
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Busisiwe Mhlongo is a highly experienced and qualified registered nurse and midwife. She completed a certificate in palliative nursing through the Association of Palliative care centres (APCC) in 2020.
“Kindness, courage, love and tenderness are the qualities that often saturate a person’s last days. My job is to comfort my patients, their families and friends. I use my training to help patients die with dignity, rest and comfort. Palliative care is not the proximity to death, but the best of living.”
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Dr Helena Nothnagel is one of the founders of Beacon of Care.
In her first year as an Intern, Dr Helena Nothnagel was confronted with the need for palliative care when working in the breast cancer unit in Tygerberg hospital. In Parkside Oncology Clinic (UK), she first met a palliative care doctor who treated the whole person, not just the cancer. After moving back to South Africa and working as a GP in Ballito, she started Beacon of Care with the help of four colleagues.
"Palliative care is being truly present for a person during an incredibly vulnerable time in their life.”
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Dr Leana Spies obtained her medical degree from Stellenbosch University in 2011 and has since completed the Diploma and masters degree in Palliative medicine. She has a wealth of experience working in oncology at Kimberley Hospital, hospice care in Ireland and in-patient palliative care at Groote Schuur hospital.
Leana is deeply committed to delivering holistic, patient-centered care. She believes in optimizing the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, drawing from her expertise in oncology and palliative care. Her passion lies in providing comprehensive support to patients and their families.
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Emily Mathe is a highly experienced registered nurse and counsellor, and one of the founders of Beacon of Care. She has attended the home-based palliative care course with Msundusi Hospice Association. She assists with administration and has a passion to help others who are disadvantaged. Her kindness, acceptance, love and respect shine through in her willingness to work with people.
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Sthabile Mtolo is a professional social worker with an honours degree in social work. To expand her interest in palliative care, she has attended training courses with The Wits Centre for Palliative Care, and a course in oncology social work and training with BIO ventures for Global Health. She has completed a diploma in HIV/AIDS management and is currently completing her Masters in Medical Science in Public Health.
“Care and support for patients and families affected by illness such as cancer means so much to me and my profession, hence the constant motivation and involvement in palliative care to provide psychosocial care and support to patients and their families."
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Wendy Moss sees patients for physiotherapy. She graduated in 1994 and spent most of her career working in hospitals, specifically in ICU, treating patients with polytrauma and orthopaedics, and providing chest physio. It was in hospitals that she was first exposed to the huge role of hope and support that palliative care brings to patients and their families, which encouraged her to join Beacon of Care. Last year she completed the introduction to palliative care course through UCT.
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Claire McHugh is a registered dietician with over 20 years experience in clinical nutritional care. She has worked in the North Coast for over 15 years, supporting people of all ages.
Claire strongly believes that nutritional support and maintaining a healthy nutritional status can improve quality of life for a person with a life-threatening illness.
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Sandhia Nair is a Ballito-based occupational therapist with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. She is grateful to to be affiliated with Beacon of Care, given her own experience of conquering a dreaded disease. She encourages patients to participate in meaningful occupation to foster a sense of independence. Sandhia looks at their environment and plans activities to help patients adapt to meet their specific needs with the goal of maximising their quality of life.
Dame Cecily Saunders
Contact us
admin@beaconofcare.co.za
065 135 5214
Salt Rock Medical Centre, New Salt Rock City, 1 Salt Rock, Dolphin Coast