Caring for a terminally ill person

Some people may have been ill for many months, perhaps several years, before we meet them. Others will be recently diagnosed. Whatever your situation; personal, family and work adjustments are likely to be necessary. Serious illness can be very difficult for all people in the family who have to adapt to changing circumstances.

 

One-to-one discussion is on offer to patient and family members. We are ready to help with any issue. If we cannot ourselves give useful advice or information we will help you to find another source of help.

Relatives' Meetings take place weekly and are for the families and friends of in-patients. It is an opportunity to talk with other people (husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters) from different families, who may be experiencing similar difficulties.

Discharge from St Michael's  A Hospice social worker will be available to talk with patients who are being discharged home or to a nursing home. We can talk with you and your family about particular wishes and help you to identify particular needs. The Social Services and Primary Care Trust have statutory responsibility to assess your need for care. The Hospice will make any necessary referral and our staff will work with you and the statutory agencies to organise necessary support for patient and family.

Practical assistance We will help, or give advice and information, with such issues as housing adaptations, benefit claims, meals on wheels and rural transport. We aim to find local services, close to home (such as personal alarms, sitters, help with cleaning, ironing and gardening) that is geared to relieving the family burden.

The Saturday Club is for young people who are living with an adult who has been given a terminal diagnosis. It is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team and is designed primarily to help these youngsters. It can also provide a base for all-round family support.

Social Care Volunteers befriend people at home and in the Hospice, offering support and companionship to the patient and/or family. A Volunteer might act as a ‘sitter' for a few hours, for example to allow a family member to go shopping, or keep an appointment.

If you would like to know more about Social Care Volunteers work please contact us.