Home-Based Palliative Care for Restored Hope and Dignity

Who we are

Our vision is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families experiencing the challenges associated with life threatening illness through high quality, home based palliative care.

We are a collaborative team of health professionals who address patients’ needs through, patient centred, high quality home-based medical and nursing care.

We are registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation

NPC 2018/639868/08 NPO 220-962

We serve all patients regardless of financial circumstance and we endeavour to make palliative care available to all who need it on the North Coast

We prevent and relieve suffering through early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other problems (physical, spitritual and psychosocial) associated with life-limiting illnesses. Our home-based care involves visits by health professionals based on patient and family need.

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. We advocate for and provide education about palliative care to healthcare workers, families and the wider community..

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

  • The unity, complimentary skills and harmony with which the Beacon of Care Team worked was tangible. I felt supported, I felt seen, I felt guided and led when I had no idea what to do. I loved and appreciated how each person took such an interest in Mom and truly cared to engage with her.

    Kim Blevin

    (October 2024)

  • Sr Busi you bring love, joy and hapiness to me and all the other patients with the wonderful service you are providing in making sure we have the required medication, diapers, futurelife and even blankets through the cold season. I must place on record that every since you started helping me, my health has improved.

    M. Pillay

    (September 2024)

  • You know Social Worker, ever since I started talking to you about this cancer that I am living with, feel supported and cared for knowing that I have someone who can listen to me, comfort me and even educated my family. Siyabonga mntanami

    Mr Panyela

    (November 2024)

  • The nurse and social worker were with our mother till the very end, supporting her and the family as a whole. Thank you for continuing to support us even after her passing. What you do for us and the community is very rare but you do it wholeheartedly, which makes us feel better too

    The Khuzwayo Family

    (January 2025)

  • Although this cancer journey is hard, your visits bring me hope

    Mrs Khuzwayo

    (November 2024)

  • I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your amazing assistance whilst Bev was home. Having you available for support with your kind, loving manner was so unbelievable and something that will always stay with me

    Craig Surmon

    (February 2025)

  • Your dedication and the teams efforts have paid off, as my mother can now perform daily tasks independently, even taking a few steps without crutches. We are grateful for your compassion and professionalism

    Sli (Daughter)

    (August 2025)

Meet The Team

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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."

  • 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.

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

 

If you have a heart to help us bring comfort and dignity to those facing a life-limiting illness, please get in touch or donate here.