Long Term Care
Many people are not aware of the wide range of services that Alice House Hospice offers, most are familiar with the Inpatient Unit but they also offer a Long Term Care Unit, Respite and Day Hospice
Here we hear how the Long Term Care Unit has helped one couple come to terms with their situation (names changed for personal reasons).
“It is a huge relief to me to know he’s safe and getting such superb care and attention, it takes the pressure off me. He has made some improvements since he’s been here; with the help and support of the staff he has improved psychologically and is not so fearful. He has worked with the staff together to regain a little independence.”
Mrs A
Mr A, who served in the Royal Marines and worked in Hartlepool Power Station for ten years before retiring, is now living with several life limiting illnesses. He has been into the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit previously and has had spells in hospital. At home following a recent hospitalisation he had carers from Alice House Hospice Homecare Service* helping him with some day to day tasks and after suffering a collapse at home was admitted to the Long Term Care Unit at the Hospice.
Mr A said, “The Homecare Service* was invaluable for myself and my wife when I was at home and it helped to make the transition to the Long Term Care Unit much easier as I was familiar with many of the staff. The care I receive is absolutely brilliant, I think the world of the care staff and feel so much more secure and relaxed knowing they are at hand if I need them; I have as much independence as I need which is great. Everyone knows me by name and are interested in me, not just my illness.”
They both commented that the Doctor caring for Mr A was “like a breath of fresh air, and a calming influence” and that she had “helped us in getting prepared for what is to come.”
On the subject of food Mr A said, “The food is delicious, I’ve had my first ever ‘Parmo’ today which was lovely and I’m having poached eggs on toast for breakfast!”
If anyone would like more information about the Hospice’s Long Term Care Unit or any other services contact the Hospice.
* Alice House Hospice no longer provides Homecare Service or the Long Term Unit