“I’m a person, not an illness”
“I feel welcomed, everyone knows my name, although I often forget everyone else’s, it feels so personal here, I’m a person not an illness.”
73 year old Wendy Sykes, an active independent lady, was given her diagnosis of small cell cancer in December 2014 and was told she probably had 9 months to live. Nothing prepared Wendy for how sudden her downturn in health would be when she lost all her upper body strength in September 2015. At this point Wendy’s Macmillan Nurse advised her to use the Respite Service provided by Alice House Hospice.
“I feel welcomed, everyone knows my name, although I often forget everyone else’s, it feels so personal here, I’m a person not an illness.”
Wendy Sykes
Wendy had never had any experience of the Hospice either with friends or relatives or personally and she explained that she had many common misconceptions about Hospice Care; she believed that it would be a place where people sat around talking about dying and actually dying. She explained,
“I was devastated to be told that the Hospice would be the best place for me to receive some short term care.”
However, on arrival at the Hospice all of Wendy’s previous ideas of the Hospice were dispelled.
“I was so pleasantly surprised as soon as I came through the doors; the rooms are lovely, I had doors onto the gardens, the staff are utterly amazing; it is so different from any other place I have received healthcare in the past!
I went home for a short time but found it too difficult, despite the fantastic help that the Occupational Therapist had given me, as my mobility was very badly affected so that’s when I came back into Respite at the Hospice.”
Very shortly after this second admission to Respite Wendy was offered a room in the Long Term Care Unit which is a long term unit for patients with terminal illnesses.
“I was so relieved to hear that I had been offered a room. I feel so at home here, I’m eating for England; the home cooked food is delicious.”
Wendy, an Accounts Administrator, led a very busy life and worked right up until her admission to Respite care. She explained how she always took great pride in her appearance and was always dressed smartly, wearing her make up. What Wendy loves about being in AHCU is that she doesn’t feel the need to do this anymore,
“If I want to spend the day in my pyjamas then that’s just fine, if I want to eat my dinner in the dining room then great, if not I stay in my room and that’s OK too.”
“I feel welcomed, everyone knows my name, although I often forget everyone else’s, it feels so personal here, I’m a person not an illness.”
Asked what she would say to anyone who has doubts about using Alice House Hospice services Wendy said,
“Come along, see the place and meet the people, there is so much laughter, it is a lovely place to be; I’ve been given awesome care and consideration.”