18 Nov 2024 Patient and Family Stories

Anne’s Journey from Isolation to support and care from The Kirkwood

Anne Nicol, 73 from Kirkburton, has travelled a path filled with challenges that only she can truly understand.

Born in Huddersfield and having lived and worked there for many years, Anne later moved to Germany to live with relatives. She called Germany home for four years, but due to personal circumstances, decided to return to England—back to Huddersfield, where her roots and many of her friends are.

However, her return marked the beginning of a challenging period. Finding a place to live proved difficult, and she was also diagnosed with COPD.

For almost a year Anne sofa-surfed at different friends' houses, after a year she was finally offered privately rented accommodation. Despite the accommodation not being suitable for her, she had no option but to take it. 

Even with the good friends Anne had, the sense of isolation, and loneliness was profound and took its toll on her health, and mental wellbeing.

"I used to be quite fit, I was a keen gardener, and used to go walking, and travelling, I was very independent."   

Reflecting on her previous accommodation, Anne found she was in and out of hospital nearly every two weeks, the property had stairs, which was a real challenge for her just to get to the bathroom and bedroom.  

This was more than an inconvenience; it felt like a daily trial for her.

Anne tried to reach out to various organisations, for help and support but was often met with silence, or she was told to phone another organisation. 

"It felt like no one was listening, and didn't really care, and made me feel as if I was a nuisance, I was overwhelmed with filling forms in, and different organisations ringing me up, and half of the time I did not know who they were, It was extremely stressful."

Living with COPD along with heart and mobility problems, Anne's daily reality is shaped by physical and emotional difficulties that to many, would seem overwhelming.

For her, simple activities like walking to the door, talking on the telephone or cleaning come with constant breathlessness and fatigue. To add to this, sleep is not easy, as sometimes it feels like she can't breathe, and this can cause Anne to panic. “I'd like to do more more," she says, but she finds it difficult to get out and about, this adds to the loneliness and isolation.

It was at this point Anne heard from Horton Housing, they provided a support worker, who helped with form-filling and sorting out her benefits, and helped with Kirklees Choose and Move to find a more suitable place to live. 

The other voice Anne recalls was from a lady called Lindsay, from The Kirkwood. Anne recalls the phone call from Lindsay, who said The Kirkwood could help simplify things.  

Working alongside Locala nurses, Lindsay and the team sorted out things for Anne and suggested products like a stair rail, bathboard, and a recliner. This all helped improve Anne's quality of life. 

“The Kirkwood helped me get set up with my medication, they helped me with my respiratory issues, my incontinence, and information for the heart problems I was suffering with.” Anne explained.

She continued: “When Lindsay called originally, she said that I had been referred to The Kirkwood, and I immediately thought, am I dying, what are people not telling me". However, the support from The Kirkwood helped relieve a lot of pressure. They not only helped me physically but mentally too, they have made such a difference in my life, and one I will always be grateful for".  

"It came as an eye opener to me about all the things that The Kirkwood offers, that I had no idea about, I took advantage of their holistic workers' neck and shoulder massage, which really helped me to relax, and sleep better, making me feel peaceful. The Kirkwood also have a Befriending Service. Once a week a volunteer rings me just for a chat, and to make sure I am ok. This has really helped me feel less lonely, and has been of great benefit.”

The support that The Kirkwood offered felt like a lifeline for Anne, who had been managing her health issues alone, however now she finally had someone to rely on: “It made sense that I just had one person who could deal with things. The relief of this newfound stability was significant, knowing that The Kirkwood is there for me and provides me with a comforting sense of support and companionship.” 

Today, the knowledge that The Kirkwood is there for her gives Anne a sense of peace: “I know The Kirkwood will always be there for me. I have no family here. I have some good friends. However, to know that The Kirkwood is there for me and is helping me to live as long as I can is heartwarming.” 

Reflecting on her journey, she urges others in similar situations to consider seeking help: “I would urge anyone thinking of getting in touch with The Kirkwood who is dealing with a life limiting illness, to do so. They can really help you and make a difference to your life.”

For Anne, The Kirkwood has become more than a hospice or a charity; it has become a source of strength, comfort, and compassion in her life, a reminder that even in solitude, there are people who care, so don't suffer in silence get in touch with our team today.