Rebecca Clegg received hospice care at home in Great Yarmouth and Waveney in January 2020. Her daughter, Erika, explains how the hospice stepped in and why care at home is so important.
“We were treated with respect and our individual situations were understood.
It was a personable service from start to finish with the St Elizabeth Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare team leading the care process organisation with great simplicity, which enabled myself to focus on being there for mum which is what really mattered.
It really was a breath a fresh air for mum and myself when she entered the hospice service, as their support had continuity and you got to know the same faces which made you feel comfortable and relaxed which is very hard to do during that time.
They always have time for you and there is no such thing as an odd question, as they answer with understanding as well as providing practical advice.
Acknowledging a loved one is entering into the palliative stage is difficult but the clinical nurse specialists made this transition so much easier and it is reassuring to know you are in safe hands. Mum died at home with kind people around her and that is what she wanted.
In contrast my dad had died six years previously in hospital, which was necessary at the time, but the passing we were able to give mum was far greater in quality, it felt more human and a strong sense of love and warmth was present.
After mum’s passing, the care from St Elizabeth Hospice didn’t stop there. As they contacted me within a few days to see how I had been and to advise of further support the hospice could offer if I required, such as counselling and bereavement support.
It’s clear to me there is a real sense of generosity behind all who work for the service, they don’t cut corners and they aim to meet the wishes of those under their care.
To move into the palliative care system seems daunting but I encourage others out there in a similar position to mum, or their families, to not delay and to contact the St Elizabeth Hospice and ECCH service. They are here to help and they understand how to support people during the hardest of times.”
Watch this video from Erika to hear more on the services she accessed for her and her mother:
Our work in Great Yarmouth and Waveney:
St Elizabeth Hospice works in partnership with East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) to support the care and treatment of residents living with a life-limiting illness in the Waveney and Great Yarmouth area.
If you or someone you know is living with a life-limiting condition including cancer, heart failure, lung, kidney, liver and neurological disorders please contact us when you need our help on our 24-hour advice line, One Call: 0800 567 0111.
Together we provide palliative care medical and nurse consultant support for all the services, 11 palliative care clinical nurse specialists to support patients at home, in day care facilities, six specialist palliative care beds in Beccles Hospital, in-reach support into the James Paget University Hospital, a dedicated presence at the Louise Hamilton Centre in Gorleston and spiritual and emotional well-being and bereavement support across the region.
Our team will work with your usual GP, James Paget University Hospitals, Beccles Hospital and community teams to provide your care.
Referrals are accepted for patients over 18 years of age with a life-limiting or progressive illness. Patients may have unresolved or complex needs which are not only physical symptoms, that cannot be met by their usual health care professional team. This may include support for family members.