Hospice Care Week is a national awareness week to raise the profile of local hospices in their communities.
The theme for Hospice Care Week is #HeartMyHospice and this story shows perfectly why local people #Heart Isabel Hospice as Rob was supported at home as was his wish, even though he had a complex neurological condition, MND.
Rob, 69, from Welwyn Garden City, was a patient of Isabel Hospice for five years, receiving support, enabling him to live with Motor Neurone Disease at home and stay out of hospital. Rob had a very strong will to live, but he also had very high quality care at home that kept him happy, comfortable and free from infection.
The palliative consultant visited him regularly and her invaluable experience in managing complex medical conditions meant that she was able to control multiple symptoms.
He trusted her absolutely and looked forward to her visits. This continuity of care was vital to the stability of his health and his mental wellbeing. He was supported throughout this period by fortnightly visits from the Hospice at Home nurse, who became a treasured friend, as well as providing welcome respite periods. She was able to make him comfortable and relaxed in his day chair (no easy task), keeping a close eye on his hydration and general health, whilst massaging his feet and having meaningful chats about life.
When it came to the end of his life, he was able to die peacefully at home, with dignity as was his wish, fully supported by the Hospice, meaning that he and his family were not alone at this difficult time and that he was pain free and comfortable.
Help us continue to care for people like Rob and #HeartMyHospice with a donation.
