Welcome to Haven House
Haven House is Little Haven’s six bed, home like residence for people who are unable to remain at home but wish to receive the same compassionate, community based palliative care that Little Haven has provided for more than 40 years.
At Haven House families are welcomed as partners in care, and every person is supported with dignity, comfort and choice.
Haven House offers a calm, peaceful environment where specialist palliative care, warm hospitality and emotional support come together – ensuring each day reflects what matters most to the individual and their loved ones.
A Brief History
Little Haven began in 1980 when a small group of volunteers recognised the need for compassionate, home based support for people living with life limiting illness.
Over the decades, Little Haven has grown into a respected, community driven palliative care service supported by Queensland Health, volunteers, donors and local families.
Haven House represents the next chapter in this journey.
Fully funded and refurbished through community generosity, it reflects Gympie’s enduring commitment to ensuring every person has access to comfort, dignity and choice at the end of life — whether at home or in a homelike setting.
Referral Process
Haven House accepts referrals for:
- Queensland Health patients under the Short Stay Community Hospice Service (SCHS) program
- Little Haven community patients who can no longer remain safely at home
- People requiring short term symptom management, respite, or end of life care
Referrals can be made by:
- GPs
- Queensland Health clinicians
- Little Haven nurses
- Families (self referral enquiries welcome)
All referrals are reviewed by the Clinical Nurse Coordinator to ensure Haven House is the right environment for the person’s needs. Care remains nurse led and GP supported, with access to specialist symptom management.
Our Model of Care
Haven House is an extension of Little Haven’s trusted community palliative care model — grounded in:
- Dignity and respect
- Holistic, person centred care
- Family partnership and involvement
- Safety, comfort and emotional wellbeing
- Clinical excellence with a gentle, home like approach
Care is delivered by experienced palliative care nurses, supported by GPs, allied health, volunteers and complementary therapists.
Emotional, social, spiritual and bereavement support are integrated into daily life.
Daily Rhythm
Haven House offers warm hospitality and gentle routines that support comfort and predictability:
- Breakfast: 8.30–9.30am
- Lunch: 12.30–1.30pm
- Dinner: 6.00–7.00pm
- Home style meals prepared onsite
- Complementary therapies available
- Quiet, peaceful environment
- Family rooms available for overnight stays when needed
- Flexible routines shaped around the person’s preferences
Each day is guided by what matters most to the individual and their family.
House Guidelines for a Harmonious Home
To maintain a calm, respectful environment for all residents and families, we ask visitors to:
- Keep noise to a minimum and respect quiet hours
- Visit between 10am–8pm unless otherwise arranged
- Sign in and out on arrival
- Use designated outdoor areas for smoking
- Consume alcohol only with CNC approval
- Treat gardens and shared spaces with care
- Be mindful of neighbours when arriving or parking
- Use water thoughtfully (rainwater supply)
- Follow staff directions in the event of an emergency
- Seek permission for spa or sauna use (adults only)
These guidelines help ensure Haven House remains peaceful, safe and welcoming for everyone.
Safety, Comfort & Quality of Care
Haven House is designed with safety and comfort at its core:
- Nurse led care 24/7
- GP supported clinical oversight
- Medication safety systems
- Fire and emergency procedures
- CCTV at entry points
- Secure environment with after hours protocols
- Infection control and housekeeping standards
- Volunteer maintained gardens and facilities
- Consumer feedback pathways
- Open disclosure and transparent communication
Our focus is always on providing safe, compassionate, consumer driven care.
Pets at Haven House
We understand the deep comfort pets bring at the end of life.
Where appropriate, beloved pets are welcome to visit and spend time with their person in the family rooms or garden areas.
Pet visits must be:
- Pre arranged with staff
- Supervised by family
- Safe for all residents and visitors
These moments often become some of the most meaningful memories for families.
A Community Caring for Its Own
Haven House exists because of the generosity and belief of the Gympie community.
Volunteers, donors, service clubs and families continue to sustain Little Haven’s mission:
to ensure every person has access to comfort, dignity and choice at the end of life.
Haven House Contact info:
30673203 – Direct line for families
If you would like to support Haven House through volunteering, fundraising or donations, please contact Little Haven on 07 5482 9091 or visit littlehaven.org.au
