Part of Paul's Message
Quoting a patient, “While I’m as afraid of dying as everybody else is, what really scares me is the idea of not living until it happens.”
Great Oaks Hospice can help both you and your carers to get more out of life that you do now.
For many people the word ‘Hospice’ conjures up visions of bunches of despondent, crumbling wrinklies staring at one another,
while waiting for God to shout “Come on in number six, your time is up.”
This just isn’t true - at least not the bit about the ‘staring’ or the ‘despondency’.
When I first came to Great Oaks I was in a bit of a state.
I’d been very ill, in addition to my diagnosed lung conditions and, when breathless, tended to panic.
I was fearful of my ability to cope in the future as the diseases progressed.
I think that now, I manage quite well, all in all, and believe that much of the credit must go to the specially trained professionals,
permanent staff and volunteers, as well as the other patients of the Hospice,
many of the latter having acted unconsciously as role models.
The Hospice is housed in a building, looking rather like a Country Club, near Coleford.
It’s easy to find and transport can be provided door to door.
The majority of patients attend on either a Tuesday or Friday between 10.00 am and 3.30 pm.
A range of care is provided including chiropody, hair washing, bathing in a special super-duper tub (for therapy and/or hygiene).
One can experience reflexology, aromatherapy, Indian head massage and there are recreational facilities,
which include art and music.
Much more is available for both therapeutic and recreational purposes, but there isn’t the room here to list them.
A very good lunch is provided and, at various times of the day ‘cuppas”, sherry and beer.
As I don’t get out much any more, for me it’s a social occasion.
Most importantly, it gives my wife a break from looking after me for a few hours. And it’s all for free.
I’m very grateful for the help I’ve been given, both practical and abstract, such as listening on a not so good day.
Thank you, Great Oaks.
Steve's Poem
When I was first offered a place at Great Oaks,
I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Was it going to be a place full of people, just like me,
And of nurses who only tend for the sick?
Would it just be people, sifting around doing nowt2
Afraid of everything, afraid for themselves.
Ifs nothing like that, nothing at all,
More like a day out, with care thrown in, that’s all.
If you want a rest, or just a change, Come and see what’s on offer,
You’ve nothing to lose after all.
The things we do are up to us.
Sit and play cards, read and talk, listen to music,
Or just sit and take a rest,
Cups o’tea a plenty, they even give us grub!
After lunch we are taught to relax,
Restful music and secrets of peace.
No talking or thinking about life,
Just peace and tranquility, until we feel great.
Massages and treatments, to make us feel good,
Those are just part of the day,
To help us feel the way we should,
Make us feel the best we could.
Link to The patient's views leaflet.