The service provides nursing care and respite support by day or night or in a combination of both to those within the last year of life who wish to be cared for at home.

It uses Registered Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Assistant Practitioners and Volunteers who are specifically trained in palliative care.

Referrals come from many sources including District Nurses, GP’s, Eden Valley Hospice, Social Workers, Acute and Community Hospitals and Macmillan Nurses to name but a few.  Importantly Patients and their families/carers can also refer to the service.

As well as care in the patients own home the service will provide care in residential homes and other places by agreement.

What and how much care is provided varies on an individual basis and the following gives some examples by means of short case studies.

Case Study 1

Mrs A has dementia and her condition is changing very quickly.  She lives with her husband in a rural village and they have no family nearby and although the neighbours are very good they have full time jobs.  Mr and Mrs A were referred to the service by the Social Worker for respite provision.  The Social Worker felt that the skills that the team have would be very beneficial to both.  Respite blocks are provided weekly to allow Mr A time to go into town or spend time in his garden or just have a rest.  A Volunteer provides this care.

Case Study 2

Referred by a District Nurse Sally is a young woman who has cancer and who is unfortunately nearing the end of her life.  Living with her husband and two young children the service has been asked to provide nursing care and emotional support to all.  Hospice at Home is working alongside other professionals to maintain Sally at home which is her wish.  Registered Nurses provide some care; she requires help with some of her symptoms and medication and in line with family wishes is providing four nights a week and twice daily visits by Health Care Assistants to assist with personal care.  It is envisaged that her condition will change in the very near future and they will require more input from the service.

Who can refer?

Patients can be referred to the service by the GP, District Nurse, other Health or Social Care professionals such as MacMillan Nurses, Social Workers, Hospitals both acute and community, or individuals themselves can refer. 

The Nursing Service can be contacted directly on 01228 603208.