Who we are

Beacon of Care is a lighthouse for hope in the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. We provide home-based palliative support to improve the lives of patients facing life-threatening illness. We believe that palliative care is more than a service; it’s a human right. Our purpose is to reduce suffering, restore dignity and support patients, their families and communities.

What We Do

Palliative care improves the quality of life of patients facing life-threatening illness. We prevent and relieve suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other problems. Our home-based care addresses patients’ needs and desires to help patients live well. With compassionate support and bereavement care, we bring solace to patients and their families.

Testimonials

My oncologist put me in contact with Beacon of Care, who would support me on my journey. Dr Helena and Nurse Rebecca have been a huge support to me and my family. They have seen me in their rooms and in my home where they have provided counseling and helped me to manage my chemo side effects. Wendy, the physiotherapist, also treated me in my home. The team has helped with difficult conversations and planning for the future. As my family and I continue on this journey we are at peace knowing that Beacon of Care is on our team.

Michelle Manning

I have a nurse and a doctor, even a physio coming to my house as often as I need and they also support my family. On every level it has helped me, from pain relief, symptom relief, to diet, and even counseling. They have helped me improve my quality of life. My medical-aid pays for their care and for any future care needed.

Margi-May Rigby

What a wonderful team, the doctor, nurse and their support staff have been- so caring, supportive and helpful in this time of need.

The house visits, the knowledge, the equipment and support they provide is amazing and is making the hardest part of my life more bearable.

I cannot thank you ladies enough!

Dr Helena, Sister Rebecca and Thabile; - you are very special people- thank you.Channing Lee

Alan Jarman

Meet The Team

Claire McHugh is a registered dietician with over 20 years experience in clinical nutritional care. She has worked in the North Coast for over 15 years, supporting people of all ages.
Claire strongly believes that nutritional support and maintaining a healthy nutritional status can improve quality of life for a person with a life-threatening illness.

Wendy Moss sees patients for physiotherapy. She graduated in 1994 and spent most of her career working in hospitals, specifically in ICU, treating patients with polytrauma and orthopaedics, and providing chest physio. It was in hospitals that she was first exposed to the huge role of hope and support that palliative care brings to patients and their families, which encouraged her to join Beacon of Care. Last year she completed the introduction to palliative care course through UCT.

Sandhia Nair is a Ballito-based occupational therapist with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. She is grateful to to be affiliated with Beacon of Care, given her own experience of conquering a dreaded disease. Sne encourages patients to participate in meaningful occupation to foster a sense of independence. Sandhia looks at their environment and plans activities to help patients adapt to meet their specific needs with the goal of maximising their quality of life.

Emily Mathe is a highly experienced registered nurse and counsellor, and one of the founders of Beacon of Care. She has attended the home-based palliative care course with Msundusi Hospice Association. She assists with administration and has a passion to help others who are disadvantaged. Her kindness, acceptance, love and respect shine through in her willingness to work with people.

Sthabil Mtolo is a professional social worker with an honours degree in social work. To expand her interest in palliative care, she has attended training courses with The Wits Centre for Palliative Care, and a course in oncology social work and training with BIO ventures for Global Health. She has completed a diploma in HIV/AIDS management and is currently completing her Masters in Medical Science in Public Health.
“Care and support for patients and families affected by illness such as as cancer means so much to me and my profession, hence the constant motivation and involvement in palliative care to provide psychosocial care and support to patients and their families."

Busisiwe Mhlongo is a highly experienced and qualified registered nurse and midwife. She completed a certificate in palliative nursing through the Association of Palliative care centres (APCC) in 2020.
“Kindness, courage, love and tenderness are the qualities that often saturate a person’s last days. My job is to comfort my patients, their families and friends. I use my training to help patients die with dignity, rest and comfort. Palliative care is not the proximity to death, but the best of living.”

Rebecca Howie is a registered nurse. She completed a certificate in Palliative Nursing with the Hospice and Palliative care association of South Africa (now APCC) in 2020 and graduated with a Diploma in Palliative Medicine at UCT in 2023.
“I am drawn to palliative care because the focus is not only of the physical, but also the spiritual and psychosocial parts of a person. I enjoy being with people in their own environment where they are comfortable. I find great meaning in being with people (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses and helping them maximise their quality of life.”

Dr Helena Nothnagel is one of the founders of Beacon of Care.
In her first year as an Intern, Dr Helena Nothnagel was confronted with the need for palliative care when working in the breast cancer unit in Tygerberg hospital. In Parkside Oncology Clinic (UK), she first met a palliative care doctor who treated the whole person, not just the cancer. After moving back to South Africa and working as a GP in Ballito, she started Beacon of Care with the help of four colleagues.
"Palliative care is being truly present for a person during an incredibly vulnerable time in their life.”