Much Laughter Makes a Joyous Place

Nan Sands is facing cancer with a strong spirit and a courageous heart. On the day we visited her, Nan had just finished Sunday lunch with her family and they were relaxing in the afternoon sun enjoying a glass of wine.Nan, a widowed mother of two sons and a daughter, told us that she didn't know much about Hospice before she started using our services. Now a proud grandmother of three (with number four on the way), Nan is grateful for all the help that Hospice gives her and her family.

"I thought Hospice was great even the first time I went along. The first thing that struck me was walking the corridors of Hospice and hearing laughter everywhere," says Nan when talking about her initial contact with us. She had to spend ten days in Hospice to get her symptoms stabilised, and was surprised that she actually enjoyed the experience.

"It's very different from being in hospital. They are very kind in both Hospice and hospital, but it is more like your own home when you are in Hospice. You can be on your own if you want, or if you want visitors that is fine too.
It's just lovely" With the support of her family and Hospice Nan has managed to stay in her own home since that initial visit. Nurses phone regularly to see how she is doing and they also come and visit when required.

"I get lots of bruises and sore things and the Community Nurse comes in and dresses them. It's a great service.
I can also ring them up if I have any concerns. For example, I have a catheter at the moment and we've had quite a lot of going back and forth to make sure it is working okay."

Day Group each Wednesday is a particular highlight for Nan, which provides her the opportunity to sit and socialise with others, and to enjoy the baking, arts and crafts and games.

She is able to enjoy this special day out because of a volunteer who provides transport each week.
Nan counts Sally as a good friend. "Sally has looked after me for some time now and we have a lovely friendship," says Nan.

Without the help of Hospice, Nan's family admits things would be dramatically different.

"We have people here everyday," says Nan's son Ian. "Home Care is provided by the Government and they come in the morning to shower Mum and make her lunch. Then the Hospice people come in mid-morning and mid-afternoon. As well as Sally, there are other volunteers who help us look after Mum. I usually get home around six, so all day people are keeping Mum company. It's really a godsend to have Hospice people here. As well as being practical it really lifts Mum's spirits."

Nan agrees. "The Hospice has been really great. Before I left Hospice I had to make up my mind if I wanted to go straight into a rest home, or if I wanted to come home, which, of course, I did. They said they would surround me with people and this is exactly what they've done."

Sally believes Nan's very positive attitude is key to her being able to stay in her own home. Everyone is in agreement that Hospice has made a huge difference to Nan and her family, and it is clear that without Hospice help and support Nan wouldn't be able to remain in her own home.

Nan has the last word on this. "Hospice is marvellous. I can't say enough about how wonderful they have been."