“ I now fully understand the indescribable sense of gratitude that families feel towards Hospice.”
I’ve known the positive difference that Hospice North Shore makes in our community having volunteered for five years with the organisation and now working as part of the fundraising team for the last two. But it wasn’t until my stepfather was diagnosed with bowel cancer that I’ve personally come to truly understand how invaluable the work is that we do. My name is Lynn Kenyon.
Recently, it was my family and my beloved stepfather Alex, aged 63, who needed Hospice’s services. When the news came that everything that could be done for Alex had been tried, Mum took the news incredibly hard, she and Alex wouldn’t grow old together.
When Alex’s pain was getting on top of him and he was finding it hard to do the things that he loved, I suggested he get in touch with Hospice because I knew they could help. I couldn’t convince him. As his health deteriorated, the pressure on Mum increased and things became really tough. I discussed with Mum what I knew Hospice could do and she finally made contact.
As provided by all hospices, Mum and Alex were soon visited by a Hospice Community Nurse. Alex was still hesitant, but as his condition continued to deteriorate it got too hard for Mum, both physically and emotionally. She was at her wits end and so worried. Mum would phone me in tears saying she didn’t know what to do and was struggling to see Alex in so much pain. I would contact the Hospice and talk to the Community Nurse about my concerns. She would give Alex a “courtesy call” and suggest she pop in to see him. During her visit she would adjust his pain medication. I can’t tell you how reassuring it was for me to be able to call on Hospice and have them handle the situation with care and compassion.
On another occasion, while talking to Mum, it became apparent that she was becoming more and more exhausted from not only caring for Alex, but also continuing with her job. So I once again contacted Hospice and talked it through with them.
The Community Nurses started to plant the seed and not long after, with encouragement from his GP and his nurse, Alex finally agreed to spend a few days at Hospice for pain relief and observation. He was still hesitant as he thought this meant that ‘this was the end’ for him. But after half an hour he was feeling so much better he wished he’d gone in to see them earlier!!! With a few good nights sleep Mum was so much better too, especially knowing Alex was in great hands. A week later Alex returned home.
On Christmas Day a Hospice nurse popped in to see Alex and said that they would keep a bed open for him. After the family lunch Alex looked at Mum and said “I can’t do this anymore, you need to take me to Hospice”. Alex died peacefully at Hospice two days later with dignity and his family around him.
I now fully understand the indescribable sense of gratitude that families feel towards Hospice. I don’t know how Alex, Mum, my family or I would have coped without Hospice’s support. As with all Hospices, it isn’t just about the needs of the patient, but the wellbeing of the entire family.
My story is repeated for many families here and around the country. I am very proud that Hospice North Shore is there for families just like mine and that we have caring professionals to support those taking this difficult journey. |
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