Kim’s Story – Hospice Care Week

Kim, a Hackney resident for over 20 years, is supported by our Empowered Living Team (ELT) at St Joseph’s Hospice.

Kim lives with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and she first got involved with St Joseph’s Hospice through Homerton Hospital when she was being discharged. Someone from the hospital team spoke to Kim about the Hospice and encouraged her to come and see what support was available.

Kim came to our Day Hospice, where she joined the gym groups run by our physiotherapist Richie. In those sessions Kim worked on building up her strength alongside other patients. At that time, Kim still found it difficult to leave the house on her own. When her group sessions ended, the Empowered Living Team asked Kim if she would like some extra support at home.

“Before coming to the Hospice, I felt a bit nervous. It is a little overwhelming when you have just come out of hospital and feel vulnerable. I remember when I first got to the Hospice, there was another lady who was a patient who kept saying come to the gym because I was a bit hesitant thinking it would be like a high-street gym.

She was great. She really encouraged me and I also made a really special friendship with her.” – Kim

Through her first round of ELT sessions, Kim gradually gained the confidence to go up the stairs by herself. Now with the help of her walker, Kim can get outside and walk on her own. She’s made huge progress and can pop to the shops by herself, go to football matches and live gigs again – all the things she loves doing.

Kim is matched with an ELT volunteer who visits her once a week. They follow a tailored exercise routine designed to help Kim strengthen her muscles and build stamina. Over time she has progressed to using heavier weights.

Kim also keeps up her exercises on her own to stay strong and active.

“Doing my exercises has been helping me very much. They mainly help me with strengthening my muscles and walking. Everything’s been targeted to my specific needs and wants.” – Kim

Our volunteer-led Empowered Living Team helps people with serious, life-limiting illnesses to manage their condition, stay independent and enjoy life more fully.

If you’d like to make a referral, please call 0300 303 0400 (referrals and 24/7 advice and support line) or email the team at ELT@stjh.org.uk

This article was first published in the latest Autumn edition of our hospice Life magazine! Read the full magazine with more stories like this, link below.

Life Magazine – Issue 46, Autumn