Supporting people living with life-limiting illness
To achieve Farleigh Hospice’s vision that ‘everyone facing the end of their life is supported to live well and die well’, we organise a range of courses for our patients and their families.
The aim being to empower them to manage their symptoms, improve their wellbeing and increase their confidence so they can have the best quality of life possible.
During the six-week Relax and Breathe programme, staff from across Farleigh - including a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a member of the medical team – educate the patients and their carers on the skills to manage their symptoms independently.
The six-week Lantern Group has a different topic each week, including exercise, activity and symptoms of breathlessness; complementary therapies; managing emotions; fatigue and anxiety;
symptom management and planning ahead, plus communication and connection.
When a patient has completed either of these courses, they are invited along to our social drop-in group which meets twice a month and is run by our volunteer, Mike.
John (aged 78) and Brian (aged 85) have both led active lives and find it hard to accept that they cannot do as much now because of their heart problems. John likes to be independent and continues to help his neighbours when he can. Brian goes to his local ‘Men’s Shed’ community group and is frustrated when he no longer has the energy for DIY projects. Both of them went on the Lantern Group course and now regularly attend the social drop-in group.
John comes to Farleigh with his wife, Rita. He explained, “I used to only associate Farleigh Hospice with end of life care, but it does so much more. Farleigh is here to help you live to the best of your abilities. The Lantern course and this social drop-in group are great as we meet other people in a similar situation so we know we’re not the only ones. We’re sharing experiences, gaining useful information and we have a laugh - I really feel the benefits.”
Brian was initially dubious about going on the course and went on his own. “I thought that sitting in a room with other people just talking about our health problems would drive me crackers, but I enjoyed it and it’s been really helpful. If you’re feeling down, it’s a good distraction and gives you a safe environment where you can talk. You can forget what you’ve got and just have a chinwag – it’s more like being in the pub!”
After a couple of weeks, he asked his wife, Janet, to come along with him. She said, “it’s been great to meet John’s wife, Rita. Before, I had no-one outside of the family that I could offload to, so it’s nice to speak to someone whose husband has the same health problems and feels the same as me.”
Rita agrees, “Everyone on the Lantern course was so lovely and John and I really look forward to coming to this group. It’s a good opportunity to talk and you learn a lot – you get out what you put into it.”
The two couples get on so well that they are now planning to meet up outside of the group. They are very grateful for the support that they continue to receive from Farleigh.
John added, “Farleigh Hospice is nothing like I first thought. It’s not just about palliative care and being looked after when you’re on your last legs. Being able to go on this course and meet others
with the same health problems has really opened my eyes to the range of good work that this charity does to help local people when they need it.”
This article is taken from the Spring 2024 Lantern Magazine
