Carers, Relatives and Friends

Incurable illnesses don’t just affect the patients who are in our care. Their condition will also inevitably have an impact on their family, friends and carers too.

We understand how distressing and difficult it can be to support a loved one after they have been diagnosed with an incurable illness. This is why our care and support services are extended to those who are closest to our patients.

How we can help

There are a number of ways we can support the loved ones of our patients including:

Helping families, carers and friends come to terms with a diagnosis, enabling them to make the most of each day.

Working with families to provide practical help and support on how they can help look after their loved one.

Having a team of social workers and qualified volunteers who can work with patients and their loved ones to address the emotional, social and practical needs associated with their illness.

Bereavement support following the death of a loved one for however long it is needed.

Having a Chaplaincy team who are available to the families and loved ones of our patients, whether they have a religion or not and whatever faith they follow.

Other useful things to know

Unlike a hospital, we have open visiting hours. This means that visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, we just ask that if possible anyone arriving to see a loved one after 9pm try to let us know in advance. We welcome children and family pets on site – it is not unknown to see dogs, cats, parrots and even horses paying a visit to our wards. If you feel you would benefit from seeing your pet during your stay with us, please speak to a member of staff beforehand to arrange the visit.

We enjoy and promote a relaxed atmosphere at the hospice but we do ask all patients and visitors to be mindful of others who may be very ill or sleeping.

We have family rooms available should families need to stay overnight. We can also provide sandwiches and light refreshments for a small charge or a hot meal in special circumstances when close family members are unable to leave the Hospice.

All of the care we provide at the hospice is free of charge for our patients and their loved ones, but not without cost. Our services are funded through a combination of kind donations from local people, fundraising activities, our Lottery and retail department and gifts in peoples wills. Less than a third of our funding comes from NHS grants.

At the hospice we operate a revolving door policy for our patients and their loved ones which means that if at any time additional support is needed we will be there to help.

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Severn Hospice