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HOSPICE STORY
"I thought respite was just carers!" for
Cece’s Story
A diagnosis of a life-limiting illness can turn your world upside down – and it can be difficult to get to know your ‘new normal’
Life long East End resident, former NHS phlebotomist, and soon-to-be great- gran, Cecilia, (Cece as she’s known
by friends, family, and anyone and everyone who passes by her room for
a chat!), was referred to the Hospice for a period of respite after her consultant at St Barts Hospital noticed that she was struggling to take care of herself
at home. Her diagnoses, including problems with her breathing, require her to take medication and use various pieces of medical equipment each day to help manage her condition.
“I thought, respite? That’s for carers. But she said, no, they will be able to help you manage your medication and your breathing. Anyway, I was here for two days, and I saw the change straight away. I felt so much better.”
Cece’s been working with our senior physiotherapist, Helen, to improve her mobility. She was using a wheelchair when she arrived, but with the help of our Therapies team – and a shiny green
walker adjusted to her height – she’s leaving on her feet, and is planning on daily walks to Victoria Park to keep her strength up.
“I’ve got all the bits I need now, so within a week, I’ve been able to walk
to the end of the corridor. The CPAP, that I have to wear every night for the sleep apnoea, it’s a completely different machine now, thanks to the physios. The staff are brilliant, and saying thank you is not enough.”
Being at the Hospice for two weeks has given Cece an opportunity to relax and enjoy herself, knowing she is in safe hands with the Hospice team. She can go home with the skills that she needs to manage her conditions and take care of herself, whilst knowing that we’re on the other end of the phone if she needs us.
For more information about respite and rehabilitation, please visit our website - www.stjh.org.uk/our- services/respite-care
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Helen and Cece working together to reach Cece's mobility goals during her respite stay