Discover the care and support we offer
We provide Hospice care & support to patients and their loved ones living in Kent and East Sussex. Learn more about how we can help you.
If you or someone you love may benefit from Hospice care, you can find out more using the information below. For support or advice at any time of the day or night, please visit our Help Hub.
We provide Hospice care & support to patients and their loved ones living in Kent and East Sussex. Learn more about how we can help you.
Complete one of these short forms and we will contact you. There is no need to wait for a referral from your GP or healthcare professional.
We need to raise over £8 million every year to provide outstanding Hospice care to the local community. To get involved with our fundraising activities, design your own, or make a donation, use the information on this page.
It can be incredibly difficult to know how to best support someone you love who is facing a terminal illness in a hospice. You naturally want to comfort them, but you don’t want to seem insincere about their situation or overwhelm them. All the while, you’re grappling with your own emotions too! That’s why our experienced and dedicated team put together some advice for you on how to help someone in a hospice.
The good news is that the most helpful actions for someone in hospice are often quite simple. Don’t overthink it! The core idea is to be present and help with whatever they need. Here are five easy yet important ways you can truly make a difference for someone in hospice:
For someone receiving hospice care away from home, the absence of familiar comforts can be a source of unease. Bringing in items that evoke a sense of home can be incredibly soothing and is a great way to help someone in hospice.
Consider packing:
Even if they’re at home, there might be small things they have difficulty getting themselves. You can help hospice patients by bringing:
Entertainment options: Newspapers, magazines with their favourite topics, or audiobooks narrated by a favourite voice actor can provide mental stimulation and enjoyment. Look for audiobooks with uplifting stories or calming nature sounds.
One of the most impactful ways to help is to be a keen observer of their needs. Here’s how to help hospice patients by becoming their personal comfort detective:
Proactive care, not smothering: You don’t want to hover or get in the way of medical professionals. However, if you notice something simple you can adjust to improve their comfort, don’t hesitate to take care of it. Offer to dim the lights, open a window for fresh air, or adjust the thermostat.
Sometimes the best way to help is to ask how you can be most useful. However, depending on the person’s condition, direct questions might be overwhelming. Here’s a tactful approach when you want to help hospice patients:
While hospice care focuses on comfort at the end of life, normalcy can also be a source of comfort. Here’s how to create a sense of normalcy:
Prioritising their well-being: While acknowledging the situation is okay, avoid burdening them with your own emotions. Focus on making them feel loved and supported. Share positive memories, express your love and appreciation, and offer words of encouragement.
Even if you’re not a natural conversationalist or feel a little awkward in the hospice setting, simply being there speaks volumes.
Here’s how your presence can make a difference and help hospice patients:
By following these tips and seeking additional support when needed, you can make a significant impact on the life of someone in hospice. Remember, even the smallest gestures can create a world of comfort and support during this time.
While the core ideas are to provide comfort and normalcy, there are additional ways to help hospice patients:
Respecting Preferences:
Communication:
Creating a Peaceful Environment:
Remembering You:
By incorporating these additional tips, you can create a more personalised and supportive environment for someone in hospice. Remember, every small gesture of love and care can make a world of difference.
In facing a terminal illness, neither patients nor their loved ones need to walk the path alone. At Hospice in the Weald, we serve Kent and East Sussex, offering vital care and support, free of charge. Our dedication extends not only to physical comfort but also to emotional well-being, ensuring patients and their families receive the compassionate support they deserve during this tender time. Remember, if you ever need extra help with helping someone facing a terminal illness in a hospice, we’re always here to help!
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