‘Blythe House gives people the confidence to think: “I know I’m going to be OK, but if I don’t, then I know who to contact.”’
Eileen with great grandson Rhys (Heather’s son)
Heather’s Nan, Eileen was referred to Blythe House after her diagnosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Eileen, from Chapel-en-le-Frith, took part in the hospice’s FAB course, an eight-week programme for any patient with a High Peak or Derbyshire Dales GP who is struggling with symptoms of fatigue, anxiety or breathlessness because of a life-limiting illness.
Heather, who’s from New Mills, explained: ‘The respiratory nurse at Nan’s local GP surgery, Thornbrook, referred her to Blythe House following her diagnosis. Nan struggles with breathing related symptoms because of her COPD, and she needed support in managing them.
‘Nan has a nebuliser* at home; she was shown quickly how to use it when she first got it, but at Blythe House, a staff member was on hand to go through it carefully and slowly with her – showing her how to use it properly.
‘Blythe House is such a calming and controlled environment. It gives people like my Nan the confidence to think: “I know I’m going to be OK, but if I don’t, then I know who to contact.”’
‘She never wants to miss coming to the hospice; it’s the same group of people every week and she’s made some good friends. Staff have also supported Nan by sharing other, important information with her, including around money and benefits because of her illness.
‘Nan had tried and tried to arrange to have her stair lift at home serviced, but unfortunately could never get through to a company who could help her. Staff at the hospice heard about this and were able to put her in touch with a local company who went out and sorted it for her straight away. She has since passed that company’s details onto other family members and friends to help them.
‘Nan’s confidence has grown so much as a result of coming to the hospice. She feels confident to make her own decisions and has confidence in staff that the information is shared respectfully with everyone involved in her care to help her. Nan has completed a ReSPECT form** and has total peace of mind now that her wishes are in place and will be respected as and when the form needs to be used.
‘A few months ago, she enjoyed taking part in a “Look good, feel better” session at the hospice, where patients learnt more about skin and hair care, and applying makeup after being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Nan also came home with a goody bag full of skin and make up products; she was absolutely delighted and learnt so much from the session that was hosted by the hospice.
‘There is so much that goes on at the hospice that people just would not know about. Of course, lots of people know about Blythe House, but they don’t see the amount of support on offer here, until a family member or they themselves are using the services. The staff deserve recognition for all the things they do that so often goes unseen.
‘We are so grateful as a family for all of the support that Nan has been able to access at the hospice. I have taken part in fundraising events in the past including the Glow Twilight Walk and Clarins evening. We will continue to support the hospice in any way we can to continue to raise funds for a fantastic local service.’
- Find out more about the FAB course at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.
- We are hosting a Clarins night on Thursday 20th October. Find out more and secure your tickets.
* A nebuliser is a piece of equipment that turns liquid medications into mist, which is then breathed in by a patient via a mask or mouthpiece.
**Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care and treatment in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices. Find out more.
