This Carers’ Week (12th-18th June), St Oswald’s is promoting the services and support it provides to the families and carers of patients they care for, often when they need it most.
St Oswald’s recognises the importance of families and carers and supports them throughout their journeys at the Hospice – from first diagnosis to post-bereavement of their loved one. Carers can benefit from a listening ear or some ‘me’ time during one-to-one sessions, complementary therapy or group sessions with their Family Support Team.
The Family Support Team is made up of social workers and bereavement support workers, who provide:
- Individual support at home or at St Oswald’s
- Advice and assistance with practical matters
- Assistance to access advice, such as financial, welfare and legal
- Advice and support in talking to children and young people
- Group support with other people for those who are bereaved
Carole Taylor, Co-Ordinator of Therapeutic Activities, said: “At the Hospice we recognise that sometimes carers need as much support as our patients. Their loved ones have been diagnosed with an incurable condition and we are here to help them to enjoy quality time together, or give carers a break from caring, which can sometimes be 24/7.
“Carers can take part in activities with their loved ones, this includes therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts and relaxation sessions, or they might want some time out – we tailor support to their individual needs. We provide one-to-one sessions with carers, group sessions to talk to someone in a similar situation and they can benefit from complementary therapy treatments. We’re here to support families and carers following bereavement too, for however long they would like.
“The carers and families we come into contact with at St Oswald’s are an inspiration and our services are here to give them a well-deserved break.”
Carer John Allen, from Throckley, comes to the Hospice for relaxation sessions with his wife Viv. Viv was referred to the Hospice when she was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer. John said:
“I was reluctant to come to the Hospice at first; I’ve been married for 40 years and amongst all Viv’s other appointments I just wanted to do something ‘normal’. With relaxation, as soon as you get in to it you relax. I also get complementary therapy at St Oswald’s, which I need just as much as Viv. Now when we come to the Hospice, instead of it being a place of fear it’s a place of inspiration.”
All services to patients and families are provided free of charge, ensuring care is available to all. To find out more about St Oswald’s Hospice and its services visit www.stoswaldsuk.org.