Our Pastoral Care and Home Care team have been working together to support longtime client, Marta.
Originally from Czechoslovakia, Marta and her husband Ivan came to Australia after World War II to build a new life. They first settled in Sydney, where they welcomed the arrival of their son Michael, then later choosing the NSW Central Coast as their permanent home.
Over time, through accessing HammondCare’s home care services, Marta built a close relationship with our local team — a connection that became even more important after a series of devastating losses.
In 2022, Michael died from a brief illness. Then in 2024, Ivan died following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. As Marta grieved the loss of both her son and husband, the HammondCare team continued to offer care and support, their presence reassuring her that she didn’t have to face her incredible loss alone.
Our team were invited to Ivan’s funeral – and to share special memories as part of the eulogy.
‘Ivan’s final farewell was very moving; our team felt humbled to be included,’ shares Pastoral Care Coordinator Karryn.
After Ivan’s funeral Karryn continued to keep in close contact with Marta. During a visit, Marta shared that she hadn’t been feeling well for quite a while – even commenting, ‘I wonder if I have cancer?’
When Karryn heard the terrible news that the liver cancer diagnosis had been confirmed, she and Specialised Carer Meredith—another regular visitor—accompanied Marta to her next specialist appointment.
'We were there in the room with Marta when she was told the most devastating news – that her cancer is incurable, and she only has months to live.’
Both team members advocated for Marta, making sure she understood everything that was being discussed.
Karryn adds: ‘After the appointment we took Marta out for a coffee and sat quietly with her in her grief and pain. I’ve planned more regular visits, and Meredith has also requested to be there to provide practical support in her role – so Marta has the familiarity and connection she needs for the remaining months of her life.’
Stories like Marta’s show that pastoral care is not just about religion. It is a personalised support service for people of all faiths, or none — focused on emotional wellbeing, social connection and the deeper questions that can arise during times of illness, loss or change.
For Marta, that means ongoing pastoral visits and practical support from people she knows and trusts, so she can face the months ahead with the reassurance that she doesn’t have to do it alone.