Louise’s Story
Vernon accessed our Day Hospice, where he was supported by our Clinical Team and was able to meet people who were also living with life-limiting illnesses.
“When he was diagnosed, we said we were going to look at each day and deal with things as they happened. But I think my grief started before he passed away – you’re already missing the person they were.”
Louise learnt about Primrose Hospice and got in touch with us.
“We were immediately welcomed at Primrose, there’s no ‘fill this form in and we’ll get back to you. Everybody’s so friendly. It’s like a family once you get to know people.
Coming to Primrose gave him confidence that he could be on his own again. He loved having his lunch afterwards – he always enjoyed his puddings!
He also had support from the physiotherapist, who was lovely – she used to get him on the bike, and talking to her helped me too. Everybody had so much patience and time for him, which is exactly what he needed.”
Our team and other patients spent time talking with Vernon about his interests and his life. “They got him talking about his past – his Porsche, his golf, even when he used to fly. They got all that out of him.”
When Vernon visited Day Hospice, it also gave Louise some needed respite from her caring role. “He needed someone with him all the time, so those few hours made such a difference. Any support you can get when you’re going through what we were going through is invaluable.”
Louise has been supported through our Family Support Centre with Complementary Therapy and bereavement support in both groups and 1-2-1 sessions after Vernon sadly died.
“I tried Reiki – something I’d never have dreamed of doing – and it was so relaxing. I was also offered one-to-one grief support which was really good. I got an awful lot out of it.”
We asked Louise about what she and Vernon expected when they first came to Primrose.
“It’s not as intimidating as people think – it’s not a hospital. You feel welcome straightaway. That makes such a difference when you’re worried about taking that first step. You’re always welcome here.”
Thank you Louise for sharing your story.
If you’ve been supported at Primrose Hospice through any of our services and would like to share your own story, visit this page or email: marketing@primrosehospice.org
If you or someone would like to find out more about the support offered at Primrose Hospice, visit this page or call 01527 871051
