9 Oct 2018 Care

Hospice Care Week: We are here for you when you need us

To celebrate Hospice Care Week from the 8th - 14th October 2018, we are sharing a different story each day to showcase the amazing reach that Kirkwood has across our community. We are here to support anyone affected by a life limiting illness, every step of the way. Here is Richard and Jean's story.

Kirkwood is with you on your journey, every step of the way. We are here for you when you need us. As soon as you are diagnosed with a life limiting illness, Kirkwood is here to offer you the right advice and support.

Richard Melville is living with COPD and shortness of breath. He attends Support & Therapy at Kirkwood and is also taking part in Breathe Better sessions. Since first visiting Kirkwood, he has enjoyed pottering in the Hospice gardens as part of Grow Group. Richard’s wife Jean, who also cares for Richard, has been coming along too.

Richard attending Grow Group with Kirkwood Physiotherapist, Lisa Wright.

 

Richard said: “I’d been in hospital a few times and one of the doctors at Calderdale suggested coming in to Kirkwood Hospice. This is the third time I’ve been. I like it because it’s relaxing, there’s very nice people and it’s not over-bearing. It’s lovely.”

Richard’s wife, Jean, added: “He’s getting to meet people with the same condition as him. When you’ve got a breathing problem and can’t get out much, you feel as though you’re isolated and you feel like you’re the only one going through something.

"We came here and discovered that everybody panics when they can’t breathe properly, they all feel the same and it was very reassuring to know that. It’s quite normal.

“We don’t have a car so one of the drivers from Kirkwood comes and picks us up from Crosland Moor and brings us to and from the sessions which is a great help. 

"We came here and discovered that everybody panics when they can’t breathe properly, they all feel the same and it was very reassuring to know that. It’s quite normal." Jean Melville

“It surprised me the first time we came because Richard walked all around the garden which he hasn’t been doing at home for a long time. I think being in the company of everybody and feeling secure really helps. 

“All the staff are absolutely brilliant. Really friendly and helpful.

“We used to have a greenhouse but as Richard’s condition developed, it became more distressing for him that he couldn’t maintain it.

"When we came to Kirkwood it was just perfect. All of the planters were just at the right level and he can do a bit of pottering and watering as he likes.”