Saxony's first day hospice cares for 34 guests in its first year

In the first year since opening, a total of 34 seriously ill guests have been cared for in Saxony's first day hospice in Leipzig. According to Astrid Böddener, spokesperson for the Villa Auguste hospice, the occupancy rate has risen steadily. The day hospice was funded as a pilot project by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs.

People can spend time at the facility during the day and receive palliative medical and psychosocial care. There are also music and creative activities or play sessions. Birthdays and holidays are also celebrated, and even a wedding has already been celebrated at the day hospice. People return home in the evening.

The care provided at the day hospice also relieves the burden on family carers. As with an inpatient hospice, the stay is regulated by the health insurance companies via a prescription.

Hospital stays thwart plans

The facility was opened on February 1, 2024. The first guests were admitted in March. Initially, 25 percent of the day care places were occupied, but the day hospice is now up to 59 percent full, explained Böddener. 17 people who used the service in the first year have since died.

The day hospice currently has 16 guests. The admission of six more people is currently still open. Planning in a day hospice is always associated with uncertainties, explained Böddener. Among other things, guests cancel at short notice because their condition deteriorates due to their illness. Or hospital stays or sometimes vacations intervene.

Open day in March

On 8 March, interested parties can find out more about the service at an open day. The day hospice will be open to potential guests and their relatives from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.