We aren’t just a building, our care weaves through our community and into people’s homes. The Homecare Team visit patients in their homes 365 days a year. Helen brings both her caring nature and personal experience to the role. For Helen, care is about noticing the little things, listening, and being there for the whole family, not just the patient.
How does your own experience of death affect your role?
I’d never say, ‘I know how you feel,’ but I do understand when someone you love dies. Families pick up on that empathy straight away and it helps them trust me at such a vulnerable time.
What does your role involve?
No two days are the same. Some days I’m helping with medication or personal care, other times I’m noticing if the family needs support. I’ll see whether someone’s eaten, if they just need a quiet chat in another room or just make cup of tea for them. The memories we help create, the reassurance we give, those last moments together – families carry those forever. That’s why my job means so much to me.
Any experiences that have stayed with you?
I remember caring for a gentleman who was in the very last days of life and his family members were upset that he had facial hair as this was not at all his usual look. It was difficult for the family to see him this way, so I was able to shave him and it brought comfort for them to see him how he would have wished.
Why do you think people should support local hospice care?
Nobody should miss out on the dignity and comfort hospices provide but it takes community support to make it happen. We do so much more than people realise and every donation helps keep the charity going.
Like Helen, our team makes a real difference every day. You can help us keep this care going by donating today. Every gift helps to make a real difference to the care we provide.
