Supportive structure

Medical attendance

At La Maison de Tara patients continue to receive care from their own doctors and home care support, just as they would at home. If the workload for the patient’s doctor is too heavy at this stage of illness (e.g. the possibility of being on call 24 hours) or the patient does not have a doctor, a practitioner in palliative care from the GGPSP (Geneva group of practitioners in palliative care) can be proposed to lighten the workload or to take complete medical charge of the patient. Three nurses function in rotation (seven days out of seven) as clinical care coordinators. In addition three experienced night carers also work in rotation. A professional management team is also available to provide help where needed.  Close collaboration between the team at La Maison de Tara and outside health care professionals is essential.

Family presence

Close relations can accompany their loved one during their stay, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a sofa bed in each patient’s room enabling close relatives to stay and care for their loved one day and night if they wish. Families are encouraged to take an active part in daily life within the house if they desire and are able to do so.

The possibility of accompanying a loved one in this intimate way often brings solace to the emotional and psychological suffering which accompanies illness.  However, some residents may not have nearby family or a social network; our task is then to offer them the missing emotional support during this time of great vulnerability.