One of the many services we offer here at Weston Hospicecare is Day Hospice. Running every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Day Hospice offers a wide range of activates and patient services, all in one setting. Although there are several services we offer at the hospice, including our In-Patient Unit and our Family Support Team, our Day Hospice is unique in that it allows patients — and their loved ones — to come to the hospice for a day at a time, not only to socialise and participate in various activities but also to receive advice, guidance, and even complementary therapy treatments and physiotherapy.

For example, our Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) group aims to equip people with self-help strategies for managing their symptoms; our Living Life Creatively group provides peer, social, psychological and practical support; and our complementary therapists provide treatments that can help you relax and enjoy some quiet time.

The range of activities that our Day Hospice offers varies, and they provide great opportunities for patients to learn new skills, pick up interesting hobbies, or even to put their existing skills to good use. The sessions are relaxed, informal, and fun. Some people might be surprised to learn just how much you can laugh in a hospice setting, but we do. A lot.

In fact, Day Hospice provides a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and just to talk to others who are in a similar situation. You might think that spending an afternoon making potpourri isn’t something that will help a patient dealing with a life-limiting condition, but in fact, it’s so much more than just a craft activity.

For one person, it might mean an opportunity to escape, to have a time when they don’t have to focus on their condition or how it’s affecting their life. For another, it might be a chance to learn more about essential oils and how they can be used to complement medical treatment or to help aid sleep or restfulness. For another, it’s simply an opportunity to catch up with friends.

Living with a life-limiting condition isn’t easy. While we can’t always add days to our patients’ lives, we can dedicate ourselves to adding life to their days. We know that every moment matters — whether that’s receiving a relaxing hand massage, sharing lunch with friends, or just relaxing with a good book.

Here’s what some of our patients have to say about Day Hospice:

“The best thing about my care is a good laugh with carers and patients. It was the best day in the week.”

“To have a day free from worry and just for me is fantastic.”

“There’s always someone there who will listen to you. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.”

If you feel you might benefit from our Day Hospice, or if you’d like more information about what’s on offer, contact your Hospice Community Nurse Specialist or ask in the Day Hospice.