Home care

At the heart of our specialist care and support service is our multi-disciplinary team of palliative care nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and bereavement support staff whose joint efforts combine to provide the focused, supportive and effective service we provide in our community.

The main focus of our specialised support is in the patients` home. The aim is to enable people to remain independent and living in their own home, cared for by their own family. Our 24 hour, 365 day a year contact support is an invaluable resource to make this possible.  It is remarkably reassuring to know that the advice of a specialist nurse is only a phone call away.

Our new purpose-built centre at Tŷ George Thomas also enables us to provide a programme of day-care. The function of day care is to enhance quality of life through activities which include:

• Social interactions, mutual support and friendship

• Creative and therapeutic activities, such as art / music therapy, relaxation and fatigue management.

• Assessment of medical condition and other care, such as showering, hair and beauty treatments.

• This also provides important respite time for the carers, who may spend the time catching up on all those household tasks, having some valuable time to themselves or attending one of our carers groups at Tŷ George Thomas.

The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, affects the patient and family in so many dramatic ways. The consistent and committed support throughout the illness provided by George Thomas Hospice Care begins with a referral to our service either from the hospital or community health services. Our multi-disciplinary team can usually respond to a referral within 48 hours and can help in all of the following ways:

• Assess the medical needs of the patients and the support needs of their carers. Every individual is unique, care and support will be tailored to their individual needs. Most importantly all our care is patient-centred and they will remain in control. Troublesome symptoms will be assessed and treated as they arise.

• Help patients to understand their illness, which in turn will reduce unnecessary anxiety and worry.

• Monitor patients` progress and response to treatment. Act as an important link and liaison between hospital specialist, GPs and community nurses.

• Our Occupational Therapists assess patient needs with regard to daily living at home, together with relaxation and fatigue management. When required we are able to quickly provide essential equipment, such as special mattresses, wheelchairs, commodes etc.

• Unexpected serious illness is often accompanied by social and financial stress. Our experienced and skilled social workers offer support and practical advice on financial matters, including statutory benefits and grants.

• Many people at this time will be comforted by some spiritual guidance and our chaplain is always available to ensure that these needs are met.

Although death is inevitable for all of us, for those with life threatening illness it may come sooner than desired. The care provided and quality of life during the final illness can markedly influence the feelings of loved ones grieving after death. Families who are able to be involved in caring for the loved one will gain great comfort from this.

Bereavement support has always been an important part of our work.  The loss of a loved one after an illness that could be protracted or sudden can be a very traumatic experience and one that the bereaved person may well not be prepared for. Individuals clearly will react in very different ways depending both on their personal circumstances and the support available to them.

In such circumstances the ready availability of a sympathetic voice, someone who is prepared to talk and listen outside the bereaved person’s social circle, can be very important in helping them come to terms with their grief and meeting the required demands of everyday living.

Our Bereavement Support Team provides valuable support to hundreds of relatives and friends of patients each year. Following an initial telephone contact by a member of the bereavement support team, if desired by the bereaved, ongoing support is provided for as long as is needed through further telephone calls, face to face meetings or group support meetings at Tŷ George Thomas. The aim is to help the bereaved person  come to terms with their loss and appreciate that grieving is a normal response to the loss of a loved one.

We are always seeking new volunteers to work with our bereavement service. All will of course be given appropriate training, for this very important and worthwhile aspect of our service.

back to top