Hospice Care Week (5th-11th October) is an ideal time to watch Anne's Story, a powerful short film created by local charity Phyllis Tuckwell. Anne describes the invaluable medical, nursing and therapeutic care that Phyllis Tuckwell's Hospice at Home team provided for her husband Pete, who wanted to be cared for at home rather than in hospital or at the Hospice.
Caption: Anne’s story describes how Phyllis Tuckwell cared for her husband Pete and supported her too.
Many people know about the end of life care that Phyllis Tuckwell provides on its In-Patient Unit, but often aren't aware that it supports patients earlier in their illness too, through its Living Well sessions and in patients' own homes and care homes. Pete was visited by its doctors, nursing team and occupational therapists, who provided care, advice and support to enable him to maintain his independence at home for as long as possible. "They put into place things like a hospital bed downstairs, and a transfer chair so it would be easier for me to get him from sofa to chair then to the bathroom," said Anne.
For patients who want to spend their last days at home, as Pete did, this support continues, for both the patient and their loved ones, and in bereavement relatives and carers are offered practical and emotional support to help them at this incredibly difficult time. "You still felt that those arms were around you, that there was someone there who could pick you up and offer you time and help; that was completely invaluable," said Anne.
All our services are free, but this is only possible due to the generosity of our amazing community. The Government/NHS only provide 25% of our costs, so we need to raise over £30,000 every day to provide our vital services.
Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available to all those in our community who need us.
