"Visits from the Hospice at Home team mean I'm not on my own"
Veronica’s praise for the care given to husband Stephen
“Receiving a visit from the Hospice at Home team is like having punctuation marks in your diary that are just really uplifting. It means I’m not on my own, and that Stephen is receiving such wonderful care.”
Veronica Brooks is full of praise for our Hospice at Home team, who have been caring for her husband Stephen.
“The nursing teams bring such an energy and vibrance,” added Veronica. They also bring wonderful stories into the house, which is invaluable for Stephen, who can’t leave his room. They really do bring such joy to our home.”
Sadly, Stephen died shortly after this piece was written.
His family has given us permission to post this story in his memory.
“They bring such joy to our home” –
Stephen and Veronica’s Hospice at Home story
Receiving a visit from our Hospice at Home team is one of the brightest parts of the day for art lovers Stephen Brooks and his wife Veronica.
“It’s like having punctuation marks in your diary that are just really uplifting. It means I’m not on my own, and that Stephen is receiving such wonderful care,” said Veronica.
Stephen has received regular care visits in recent months following worsening heart and lung problems. However, it’s not just the care which benefits the couple.
“The nursing teams bring such an energy and vibrance,” added Veronica. “They also bring wonderful stories into the house which is invaluable for Stephen, who can’t leave his room. They really do bring such joy to our home.”
Prior to Stephen’s involvement with St Michael’s, he was admitted to A&E in severe pain more than a dozen times. Each time he returned home, only to return again a short time later.
“We were just left in limbo until we found St Michael’s Hospice,” said Veronica.
“A friend of mine, who volunteers at St Michael’s, recommended the classes they put on there, so we attended Fatigue and Breathlessness (FAB), and Teacakes & Chat, which is a group for carers and the person they are caring for. These classes were so relevant that it just gave us hope.
“Whilst there you speak to people like Occupational Therapists who said, ‘We can help you’. It was wonderful to hear. Having the Hospice in our life has made such a positive difference.”
Stephen admits he didn’t know much about St Michael’s before his experiences, but is so glad their paths crossed.
“There was no way I wanted to die in hospital; I just wanted to be at home,” he said.
“The Hospice at Home staff are just stunning. They are so enthusiastic and just make you feel good.
“I’m actually enjoying the Hospice experience. I wish I wasn’t going through it, obviously, but the Hospice has helped me so much, and the care I’m receiving is absolutely phenomenal.”
*St Michael’s Hospice and Marie Curie partner with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board to provide the Herefordshire Hospice at Home service.