“’Living every moment’ is at the heart of the rehab team. Our goal is to keep people as independent as possible,” says Ciska, Hospice West Auckland’s Senior Physiotherapist.
In 2018 Ciska was approached by Dr Celia Palmer with the offer to start a physiotherapy service at Hospice West Auckland. With Celia’s support, this fledgeling team has now grown to three physiotherapists and an occupational therapist.
Therapy is provided both in group exercises classes and individually. The group exercise classes work on strength, flexibility, balance, and breathing techniques to improve quality of life. Exercises are set to the beat of jazz music, following by a cuppa and Vivienne’s famous cheese muffins. Equally important is the social aspect the group provides, where participants can interact, share experiences and support one another. The popular classes are important for providing companionship, comradery and unconditional acceptance – and of course the chance to move. As one participant says: “I love the social aspect. The exercises definitely work. We have a lot of humour and laughs.”
Our rehab team can tailor support to manage symptoms, prescribe conditioning exercises and assess equipment needs. Arranging mobility aids not only ensure safety at home, but also enable people to get out and socialise with friends and whānau. Physio appointments are offered at the Hospice House clinic, at home, or residential care facilities.
“We are so fortunate to have an excellent team supporting our patients and their whānau in so many different ways,” says Ciska. “I see firsthand how working in a multidisciplinary team significantly improves wellbeing for patients.”
Originally trained in South Africa, Ciska has worked in both private and public settings in Africa, the UK and New Zealand. In addition to working part-time at Hospice, she also works at Te Whatu Ora as an oncology and lymphoedema physiotherapist. This allows her to foster a network of connections across the wider physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and district nursing teams.
Ciska’s lymphoedema speciality is also invaluable at Hospice. A significant number of people develop lymphoedema due to factors such as nodal surgery, radiotherapy or disease progression. Having heavy, swollen limbs impacts on a person’s ability to move and walk, so managing this condition is important for keeping people comfortable and active.
“Although nearing the end of our lives has challenges, it is also a very special time. Being part of this journey by helping to manage symptoms and improve quality of life helps to tackle some of these challenges,” says Ciska. “I have learned so much from my patients and families over the years. What a privilege to work at Hospice West Auckland, it is a very special part of my life.”
Elton John-themed physiotherapy class
Christmas physiotherapy class
