29 May 2024
Many people believe that hospice is only there “at the end”. But the earlier Harbour Hospice is involved in your care, the more we can do to help you.
Grandfather and great grandfather Brian Evans, 86, began receiving Harbour Hospice care six months ago and says having the support has helped him relax more and enjoy every day. "I don’t have to worry about my illness because I know Hospice is taking care of me. I feel more relaxed and my breathing has improved,” he says.
Brian receives regular visits from our hospice community nursing team and attends our Open Doors day programme at Tui House, which provides lunch and an informative talk. Brian enjoys listening to the talks and says he loves the social contact with the others in the group. “We don’t talk about our ailments, we talk about the day-to-day but we know what each other are going through and that’s what makes it so good.”
Brian used to be a keen hunter but had to give that up. Hospice has helped him find new ways to enjoy his days, he says. He has reignited his passion for gardening and taken up walking. Hospice was even there for Brian and his wife Gayle when they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April, putting on a lunch and a bit of a party for them. “It has been absolutely marvellous,” Brian says.
Hospice care is free to anyone who needs specialist support at any stage of a serious illness which has little or no chance of a cure. To learn more about how to access hospice services click here.
