"We all always felt understood"
From September onwards, as Dad’s condition deteriorated, we began to rely on the Hospice at Home services, as nurses visited and monitored my Dad, helping my Mum manage his care, medication and pain-relief. They also provided Dad with a hospital bed at home as we prepared for him to move to the Inpatient unit.
When the time came for Dad to move into the Inpatient Unit in October 2017, they couldn’t have done more to make Dad feel at ease. They listened to Dad and us, and we all always felt understood.
Garden House Hospice Care became our home - the kitchen was always full of cake lovingly made by volunteers and there was always someone on hand to make a cup of tea or coffee and lend a sympathetic and understanding ear. The fridge in the kitchen had space for all the patients and the fact Dad was able to have his own food made it feel like a home from home.
We all knew that Dad was in good hands and in the right place. The Hospice knew how to look after him better than anyone else and nothing was too much trouble. Throughout those last weeks we could all come and go as we pleased, spending time with Dad in his private room, enjoying the gardens or all sitting together in the family room playing jigsaws and watching TV. Even the family Labrador Lilly liked to visit! We were all made to feel comfortable and Dad loved having his family by his side and the Hospice team wait on him. The professional support was outstanding and my Dad was especially thankful to Dr Paul Vooght.
Dad told us he didn’t want to die in hospital and Garden House Hospice Care allowed him to pass his final days with dignity and support. My Dad passed away on 14th November 2017 with us all at his bedside and I am forever grateful for the charity’s support and care.