07-08-2006, 07:28 PM
When we think of hospices, we think dying people and much pain, nice nurses and upset relatives.. but my experience has been SO different.
My GP referred me to a day hospice nearby, Grove House, and I had to go for an interview before they accepted me as a day patient. I wondered why they did this but it emerged that they wanted to find out the best way I could be helped.. and this has been their attitude all the way through. I go every Wednesday (they provide transport in a volunteer's private car) and everyone knows me, there's a warm welcome with nice refreshments on arrival, and then I can do what I like, really. If I feel sick or tired I can sleep or just veg; there are therapists who give massages - this Wed I'll have a foot massage; there's a hairdresser who charges a nominal amount (if you have any hair left, that is) which she then gives into the main pot; each person there meets with a nurse who checks overall progress; and generally there's activity if you want it, or not if you don't want it. Last week a beautician came from Boots to help the ladies with make-up etc and gave everyone lovely goodie-bags with perfume etc..
Some time during the morning a menu comes round for the 3-course lunch, and this is cooked to order on the premises and served by the staff. It's so well-prepared, and of course the dessert appeals to my S African sweet tooth
They are champs at desserts!!
Then in the afternoon an artist comes for those who would like to do art - so my new friend Maria, and I, are making silk painted scarves to hide our hairless heads!! There is also entertainment, like singers, for those who aren't as active as Maria and I and other budding artists. The group, by the way, is no larger than about 16 people (patients) plus a group of nurses and volunteers, and mine is a mixture of younger and older people, mostly with cancer of some sort and at some stage. Sometimes I feel a little guilty being there as I'm so well and energetic compared to some of the others.
Then we have refreshments and cake, and are taken home. It's a warm, personal, unconditional place, with NO expectations - a very freeing atmosphere where no-one thinks you should be doing this or that to get better..
So, next time you think of a hospice, think of a place that's wellness-centred, warm, caring, respectful, and worth supporting. I will never go past a collection-tin for a hospice again without putting something in, however little, because I know what it's like to benefit from it. The people who work there have taught me so much about compassion, which I hope to be able to pass on to others worse-off than I.
:canwin:
:cloud9:
My GP referred me to a day hospice nearby, Grove House, and I had to go for an interview before they accepted me as a day patient. I wondered why they did this but it emerged that they wanted to find out the best way I could be helped.. and this has been their attitude all the way through. I go every Wednesday (they provide transport in a volunteer's private car) and everyone knows me, there's a warm welcome with nice refreshments on arrival, and then I can do what I like, really. If I feel sick or tired I can sleep or just veg; there are therapists who give massages - this Wed I'll have a foot massage; there's a hairdresser who charges a nominal amount (if you have any hair left, that is) which she then gives into the main pot; each person there meets with a nurse who checks overall progress; and generally there's activity if you want it, or not if you don't want it. Last week a beautician came from Boots to help the ladies with make-up etc and gave everyone lovely goodie-bags with perfume etc..
Some time during the morning a menu comes round for the 3-course lunch, and this is cooked to order on the premises and served by the staff. It's so well-prepared, and of course the dessert appeals to my S African sweet tooth
They are champs at desserts!!Then in the afternoon an artist comes for those who would like to do art - so my new friend Maria, and I, are making silk painted scarves to hide our hairless heads!! There is also entertainment, like singers, for those who aren't as active as Maria and I and other budding artists. The group, by the way, is no larger than about 16 people (patients) plus a group of nurses and volunteers, and mine is a mixture of younger and older people, mostly with cancer of some sort and at some stage. Sometimes I feel a little guilty being there as I'm so well and energetic compared to some of the others.
Then we have refreshments and cake, and are taken home. It's a warm, personal, unconditional place, with NO expectations - a very freeing atmosphere where no-one thinks you should be doing this or that to get better..
So, next time you think of a hospice, think of a place that's wellness-centred, warm, caring, respectful, and worth supporting. I will never go past a collection-tin for a hospice again without putting something in, however little, because I know what it's like to benefit from it. The people who work there have taught me so much about compassion, which I hope to be able to pass on to others worse-off than I.
:canwin:
:cloud9: