For east Devon resident, Nigel Richards, being admitted to Hospiscare gave him and his loved ones the chance to make memories from experiences that wouldn’t have been possible without the hospice’s specialist care.
Hospiscare Healthcare Assistant, Jo Barnes, shares her recollections of Nigel’s final days.
Nigel and his wife, Faith, lived in Sidmouth. He was transferred to our hospice ward from the RD&E hospital to help manage his symptoms and pain. Nigel had many friends and family visit him during his time with us, including his wife and his son and daughter.
Nigel’s son has autism and was anxious about visiting his dad on the ward. My colleagues could see this was stressful for him and his dad. To try and make this experience less overwhelming, they arranged for them both to have milkshakes during the visit. It was a seemingly little thing, but it made a lot of difference.
Nigel loved being outside. He had spent over six years in the army and loved to be outdoors. When we found out how important being outside was to him, we moved his bed into the garden at Searle House so he could enjoy the autumn sun with his friends and family.
On one occasion, some of his friends came to visit Nigel. They sat together in one of our family rooms on the ward and Facetimed friends in New Zealand. They shared laughs and stories about the mischief they all got up to over the years, reminiscing over a glass (or perhaps two!) of whiskey.
Nigel desperately wanted to go to the beach one last time before he died. One of our ward nurses, Ali, along with our Occupational Therapist, Heather, arranged for Nigel to go to Beer, his birthplace and a special place for him.
It took some careful planning, including arranging a taxi, but the staff were determined to help him fulfil this cherished wish. So many of Nigel’s friends and family joined him at the beach, and Nigel proudly held his ‘barrel of Beer’ t-shirt for photos. Nigel died on the ward shortly after his visit to Beer.
Nigel’s wife, Faith, said:
“Nigel was so well looked after at the hospice. From the food to his care, you all listened to what we wanted and made his end peaceful and calm. Nothing was ever too much trouble. It is truly amazing here.”
