Hospiscare gives carers the support they desperately need

This week, 12-18 June, it’s Carers Week.  The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of the challenges carers face and recognises the contribution carers make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Local charity Hospiscare support patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Exeter, Mid and East Devon. The charity also provides a range of services for carers with information, advice, complementary therapies, or simply the opportunity to talk to someone who understands.

Virginia, who has been a volunteer Complementary Therapist at Hospiscare since 2009, explains how important it is that carers receive the support they need.

“Sometimes I feel that the carers are almost in more need than the patients. I remember one time a patient’s family member came to see me and the moment she walked through the door she burst into tears. She said it was so good to go somewhere where people understood what she was going through and where she didn’t have to put on a ‘brave face’. I gave her a foot reflexology and she closed her eyes and totally relaxed. From time to time a tear would trickle down her face but she assured me that she wanted me to continue with the session. Afterwards she said she felt much calmer, like she had had a long refreshing sleep.”

If you are caring for someone with a life-limiting illness you can refer yourself to Hospiscare and access the help available. 

Hospiscare arranges support meetings in various Devon locations, giving carers the opportunity to meet and talk to others in the same situation.  Alongside complementary therapy treatments, visiting professionals give expert advice on topics such as: financial support, healthy eating, learning to relax, legal matters, understanding disease and medication and adapting your home.

Hospiscare can arrange for one of their volunteers to sit with the person you are caring for, giving you the opportunity to attend a support meeting or simply take a little time for yourself.

For more information, carers should contact Maggie on 01392 688009 or email her at M.Draper@hospiscare.co.uk. 

Hospiscare is a local charity, providing free, high quality care and support to people with a progressive life-limiting illness, and those close to them, in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.