What Can Hospitals Offer Families Of Patients Who Are Dying?
We had an enquiry recently from a hospital we are about to start working with – asking if we could share all the different ideas that other hospitals have to support families of patients who are nearing the end of their life.
We thought it might be useful to share what we told them….
First and foremost – (of course!) we would advise putting plans in place to launch a team of specially selected, trained volunteers who have that most precious of commodities – time.
These amazing people provide company and companionship to patients and to their visitors. They will act as an advocate for them, and signpost to other appropriate services that the hospital offers.
Family hubs are safe, private spaces where visitors can spend time away from the bedside. To have some quiet time and recharge their batteries, and be looked after by the team of ‘end of life’ volunteers who are there to provide emotional support and signpost to all the other services the hospital offers.
As we all know, hospital parking is very expensive, and many families simply can’t afford it. To have this extra worry taken away when they are visiting a family member who is dying makes a huge difference to their experience.
There’s nothing like a hot meal to recharge the batteries when coping with a very stressful situation and sitting by the bedside for hours on end. This is a simple, cost effective way to show the hospital cares about visitors. Hospitals sometimes include free hot drinks and sandwiches on the ward as well as vouchers to pay for a daily meal in the hospital canteen.
Many of the hospitals we work with have raised funds to produce simple care packs for patients and visitors to use, when needed. These can include:
- Personal care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush/comb
- tissues
- deodorant
- wet wipes
- hand sanitiser
- hand cream
- notebook and pen
- razor/shaving foam
- a sweet treat
- chapstick
Information about the ‘End of Life Volunteer Support Service’ and contact details of the coordinator.
A simple but useful hospital site guide (to include cashpoint location/coffee shop/canteen/chapel/quiet room/family hub/where to go for fresh air/local shops).
Staff uniforms – who is who.
Information about parking/concessions.
Which facilities on the ward are accessible to visitors (toilet/washroom/tea making facilities).
Meal vouchers.
Beds & a bathroom for overnight stays for families
When you are sitting with a relative or friend who is dying, and you don’t want to leave them alone, getting some sleep it vital. Many of the organisations we work with provide a comfortable camp or put-you-up bed so that visitors can get some much needed sleep when they stay overnight.
Again, hospitals tend to buy these with funds raised from their associated charity.
Having a shower room made available is also very welcomed by families who are staying around the clock with their loved one in the days and hours before they die.
Anne Robson Trust partnerships
We believe that everyone should have the comfort and companionship of another human being as they die, and the support to prepare for the end of their life. We work to support people facing the end of life, whether their own or that of someone dear.
We work with NHS Trusts and hospices to help them set up and run teams of end of life volunteers to provide bedside companionship to patients in their final weeks or days, and emotional support to the patients’ family and friends.
You can find out more about our work and how we can help your healthcare organisation here.
We’ve done this before.
So, why not tap in to our experience and let us help you to set up an end of life volunteer scheme? We can help you at every step of the way.
Anne Robson Trust partnerships
We believe that everyone should have the comfort and companionship of another human being as they die, and the support to prepare for the end of their life. We work to support people facing the end of life, whether their own or that of someone dear.
We work with NHS Trusts and hospices to help them set up and run teams of end of life volunteers to provide bedside companionship to patients in their final weeks or days, and emotional support to the patients’ family and friends.
You can find out more about our work and how we can help your healthcare organisation here.
We’ve done this before.
So, why not tap in to our experience and let us help you to set up an end of life volunteer scheme? We can help you at every step of the way.
Other useful resources
Actively dying: what does it mean?
Planning for the dreaded ‘D’ word
Bereavement support services
For 1-1 grief support, visit Cruse Bereavement Support
Practical help when you need it most
Visit Gov.uk to find out whether you are eligible to receive Bereavement Support Payments