When a family loses someone they love, they often look for a way to honour a loved one’s legacy. For one family, that meant giving back to the place that cared for their father with compassion. Their heartfelt in-memory legacy gift was not only an expression of gratitude, but a deliberate choice to help patients at Mona Vale Hospital experience greater comfort, dignity and support.
Legacy giving that brings dignity and comfort
Through this family’s generous legacy gift, the Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) ward at Mona Vale Hospital has been able to purchase and repair specialised equipment that helps patients stay safe, mobile, comfortable and connected to the world around them.
Kate Vaughan, Clinical Support Officer at the Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management units, shared just how significant this impact has been:
“This equipment supports not only clinical care, but more importantly, quality of life for our patients.”
Funding supported items such as Sertain HiLo Care Chairs – highly adjustable, pressure-relieving chairs designed for people who can no longer sit safely in standard seating. These mobile recliners allow patients to spend time comfortably out of their bed and enjoy a change of scene out of their room.
Occupational Therapist, Ali Francis, sees these moments every day:
“Nothing makes us happier than seeing patients out of bed in the recliner, often on the balcony with family and friends, spending time in a way that is meaningful to them.”
The legacy gift also funded a Sara Stedy lifter, which helps patients who can no longer walk unaided to transfer safely from their beds. This support preserves independence and dignity, enabling daily routines, like enjoying a hot shower or spending time out of bed with visitors.
A legacy of joy that supports pet therapy
The in-memory gift also extended to pet therapy. Led by Golden Retriever Fred and his carer Amanda, their visits bring warmth, laughter and emotional comfort – benefitting both patients and the healthcare staff.
Fred’s presence helps reduce anxiety, ease loneliness and spark conversation. For patients like Neville, currently recovering from a fall, these moments make a world of difference.
“I have had a few dogs of my own and it was nice to meet Fred and give him a few pats,” Neville shared.
Neville also benefits from the Inva-Beam monitors, another purchase through the legacy gift. The contact-free fall-prevention system keeps patients safe while maintaining their independence.
A lasting legacy of care
The Palliative Care and GEM ward at Mona Vale Hospital provides compassionate, specialist care for older people and those at the end of life. The ward operates with a deeply person-centred approach, ensuring patients and families remain at the heart of every decision.
Made in honour of their father, the family’s generous in-memoriam gift ensures his kindness lives on in moments of comfort, safety and connection – from a supportive recliner or safe transfer equipment to a fall-prevention system or the wag of a friendly therapy dog’s tail. It is a legacy of love that will continue touching lives for years to come.
If you would like to honour someone special through legacy giving, please contact us.
