Hospice News

Patient & Carer Stories

Catherine has been caring for her dad, John, who has Parkinson's Disease, lung cancer and an aortic aneurysm. Here she tells us how Hospice Social Work Assistant, Claire, has made a huge difference to her life.

"There were times when I felt I couldn't cope. Mum had been looking after Dad but after she had a stroke I stepped in. Dad thought we could manage as a family but the amount of care he needed became too much. His medication is time critical, so I had alarms set around the house and had to triple check he was taking everything he needed. I had to taxi him for hospital appointments and even slept over at Dad and Mum's house when they needed me. We looked into him moving to a nursing home and decided it wouldn't be right. But something needed to change as I was getting more and more overwhelmed.

"We were referred to St Peter's Hospice by a doctor and didn't know what to expect. When we first met Claire I was at my wit's end. But she has made a tremendous difference, I can't praise her enough.

Claire and Catherine

"Being a Carer comes with so many different challenges and Claire helps me navigate everything. Dad often puts up a front because he doesn’t want people to know how ill he is. But he listens to Claire. She understands what he's going through and always knows what to do.

"Before we had help from Claire there was so much to think about and emotionally it was very difficult. I don't always want to talk to family about my problems because I don't want to burden them. But with Claire I can talk openly, knowing she understands and knows how to help. She's like my guardian angel. Even when she's not physically here we speak on the phone or over Facetime. It's so reassuring knowing there's someone there when I need them.

Catherine with her family

"There were so many different forms I needed to fill in that they were giving me anxiety. But Claire took them on for me so I didn't need to worry. She helps me understand what benefits we're eligible for and fills in the applications. This has helped us to get more care for Dad which means he can stay at home. He gets the right medication at the right time which takes a huge weight off our shoulders.

"This extra support has given me and my husband the time and confidence to visit our daughter in America without worrying or feeling guilty. We also love going to see country music and it's been so important to be able to go out and enjoy myself again."

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