Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amitayus?
Amitayus Home Hospice Service is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation established in 1994.
We support people approaching the end of life who wish to remain at home, together with the family members, friends and carers beside them. Support is provided through trained volunteer carers.
Does Amitayus have a residential hospice facility?
Amitayus provides support to people within their own homes. We are a community home hospice service rather than a residential hospice facility.
Who can receive support?
Amitayus supports people who are palliative or approaching the end of life and wish to be cared for at home.
We also recognise and support the family members, friends and carers involved in caring for them.
What area does Amitayus serve?
Amitayus currently describes its service area as Byron Shire and surrounding areas in northern New South Wales.
The organisation should provide you with a final approved list of towns or geographical boundaries before this answer goes live.
Is Amitayus support free?
Yes. Amitayus currently provides its home hospice support services free of charge.
Does Amitayus welcome people from all backgrounds?
Yes. Amitayus is committed to providing care that is safe, respectful, equitable and inclusive.
We welcome people of every race, faith, cultural background, age, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation, together with their carers and families.
What kind of support may be available?
Depending on the person’s circumstances and volunteer availability, support may include:
Companionship and quiet presence
Short periods of respite for family carers
Practical assistance and errands
Reading, conversation or shared activities
Emotional support for the person and those caring for them
The exact type and frequency of support are discussed with each person or family. Amitayus’s existing family testimonials describe volunteers providing companionship, respite, practical help and everyday activities within the home.
Does Amitayus provide medical or nursing care?
Amitayus provides community-based support through trained volunteer carers. Our service does not replace medical, nursing, specialist palliative-care or emergency services. We work alongside the person, their family and the healthcare professionals involved in their care.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
You are welcome to contact Amitayus directly to discuss your circumstances. We will explain whether a referral, assessment or additional information is required.
How do I request support?
Contact Amitayus through the online enquiry form, by email or by phone.
Tell us a little about what is happening and who you are seeking support for. You do not need to know exactly what help you need before reaching out.
How quickly can support begin?
The timing and availability of support will depend on the person’s circumstances, location and the availability of suitable trained volunteers.
Amitayus should confirm its actual enquiry, assessment and volunteer-matching process before this answer is published.
Can Amitayus provide overnight or 24-hour care?
THIS NEEDS CONFIRMATION
What should I do if the situation is urgent?
Amitayus is not intended to replace emergency or urgent medical services.
For urgent medical concerns, contact the person’s treating healthcare team. Call 000 in an emergency.
Can I contact Amitayus on behalf of someone else?
Yes. Family members, friends and carers may contact Amitayus to discuss the circumstances of someone they are supporting.
The team can then explain what information or consent may be needed before support is arranged.
When should we contact Amitayus?
You do not need to wait until caring at home has become unmanageable.
Contacting Amitayus earlier may allow more time to understand your circumstances, discuss what support is already in place and explore whether volunteer assistance may be available.
Amitayus should confirm whether there are any eligibility or timing requirements.
What if I am unsure whether Amitayus is the right service?
You are still welcome to get in touch.
An initial conversation can help you understand the role of Amitayus, what support may be available and whether the service is appropriate for your circumstances.
Can Amitayus give a family carer time to rest or leave the house?
Depending on volunteer availability, a volunteer’s presence may allow a family member or carer to rest, attend an appointment, manage everyday responsibilities or step away briefly while their loved one has companionship.
How do I become an Amitayus volunteer carer?
Begin by contacting Amitayus and expressing your interest.
A member of the team can explain the volunteer role, required training and any screening, availability or suitability requirements.
What training is required?
The current volunteer-carer pathway begins with Last Aid: Care for the Dying at Home.
Prospective volunteer carers then complete an additional non-residential retreat weekend exploring personal responses to death, dying, grief and loss.
Is Last Aid only for people who want to volunteer?
No. Last Aid is also offered as a standalone community education course.
It is open to people who want to develop greater practical understanding and confidence around death, dying and supporting someone who wishes to remain at home.
When is the next training?
The current website states that the next Last Aid training is planned for 2027 at Byron Community College in Mullumbimby. Class sizes are limited to 16 participants.
What is a cooling plate?
A cooling plate is an electrically powered refrigerated plate used to keep the body of a person who has died cool.
It can allow families and friends to keep the person at home, or another suitable location, between death and the funeral, burial or cremation.
How much does it cost to borrow?
The current Amitayus website lists the cooling plate fee as $50 per day, subject to availability.
This fee, along with any deposit, cleaning or damage arrangements, should be reconfirmed before publication.
How do I enquire about the cooling plate?
Contact Amitayus to ask about availability, current fees, collection arrangements and user responsibilities.
The person responsible for the equipment will need to read and follow the complete user guide.
How can I donate to Amitayus?
Amitayus relies on donations and community fundraising to help sustain its free services, volunteer costs, training, insurance, resources, equipment and general operating expenses.
Still have a question?
You are welcome to contact Amitayus. We will listen to what is happening and help you understand what the next step may be.