SCT Cleaners Has Chosen North Devon Hospice As Its 2019 Charity Of Choice

Back in March 2016, my dad was told he was terminally ill with an asbestos-related disease, and that he only had 6 months to a year to live. This was devastating news to all of us, especially my dad who was only 73 and who still felt he had had lots of life left to live. Unfortunately, in December 2016 dad started to deteriorate quite rapidly and this is when our GP referred us to North Devon Hospice.

Seeing how much dad was deteriorating, I decided to give up my life and business and move to Devon to become my dad’s full-time carer. Becoming a full-time carer for a terminally ill person can be frightening and extremely daunting, and unfortunately, with all the pressures the NHS are under, we didn’t get the support we needed and felt very much alone. This is when the North Devon Hospice (NDH) stepped in and enabled us to receive weekly visits from the home care practitioner, who offered much needed support/advice to not only my dad but to us also. We had the most wonderful, kind, caring and compassionate lady who built a great rapport with my dad. My dad was such a strong character that he always hid how he was truly feeling to protect us, and he wanted us to help make his time left a happy, smiley one. As my dad was by this time now bed bound, I was so grateful of these visits as my dad had someone to talk to/open up about his thoughts and fears. Also, for us, it was amazing how having that reassuring voice on the end of the phone can make all the difference on those tough days.

My dad and I made a promise to each other that when he knew it was time he would let me know and I promised he wouldn’t be alone. Dad had also always made it clear he wanted to ‘pass’ at the hospice and on the 2nd Feb 2017, I knew it was that time. We arrived about 5 pm to be greeted by the incredible staff on the bedded unit. I instantly felt in safe hands, and considering the turmoil we were in, I couldn’t believe just how calming and peaceful the hospice was.

The nurses got my dad settled in and then turned their attentions to us, ensuring we had blankets, etc. so we could stay the night. We were then offered endless amounts of tea and cake. Dad didn’t have the best night and the nurses did a fabulous job of checking on him and keeping him pain-free. For me I was so pleased to be able to stay the night next to my dad’s bed, holding his hand and keeping my promise of him not being alone.

The hospice gave us the time and space needed to say our final goodbyes and when we were ready the nurses asked if we wanted to help them get dad ready. Our dad was always hot on his appearance/cleanliness, so with the nurses I helped put a fresh t-shirt on, brushed his hair and cleaned his teeth. I couldn’t believe the care, attention, dignity and respect they gave dad. Its these small touches that can make all the difference to someone grieving and I know dad would have been looking down at us with a smile.

Even when my dad was taken away we were welcome to stay as long as we needed, again being offered endless tea and cake. Although dad was only in the bedded unit for just 18 hours, I will be forever grateful for the NDH for giving dad the chance to fulfil his last wishes to go with dignity, be pain-free and to be in an environment that was both peaceful for him and his family.