Great Oaks
Open up this gate for me,
Let me in, to set me free,
All this green and running brook,
Friendly faces and a smiling look,
Helping words to widen up this peaceful world,
Away from cruelty and a crazy look,
Run so wild, run so free,
That’s what the Oaks does to me,
Happiness is really a funny book,
To open each page and look,
Set me free and let the music play,
From acorn to oak, it does it for me.
by Miss Jan Smulders, attends Day Hospice
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 cuppa's, 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 '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 of 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.