My mother-in-law, following the news that her cancer had returned, discussed palliative support options with Macmillan nurses. She decided that rather than look to hospice care, she would look at a (very) local care home, Gardner House, and as a room had become available there; after a visit, she said she'd be happy to move in and she did so. Initially when she moved in, she was fairly independent and staff managed this difficult balance extremely well. As her needs have increased over the past few weeks so has their support and professionalism in dealing with each situation that arises.
She has had a tough few days and though the entire team have been fantastic, we feel a number have gone over and above their day to day role. One of the senior members of staff on duty on Sunday showed such care and empathy for, that we were given the space to spend time with her as she begins to move to the last stages of her life. In fact, all of the support staff generally on Sunday (from the staff in the kitchen to those working overnight) constantly made sure we had everything we needed to get through the day. Following some challenges handling the different needs of family members in this past week, the team have again stepped in with support and are helping to create time for each of us to spend with her.
Though we're moving to an inevitable stage for her, I didn't want to lose an opportunity to express my partner and my own thanks to the entire staff team in Gardner House. It has been a source of relief that she has (and is) very well cared for and is comfortable, allowing us to make the most of the time we have available to us. 18th December 2013.