Two of our longest serving Health Care Assistants share their experience of working within the Hospice at Home Service.

Suzanne Taylor – started as a HCA in March 2016

Having done the job for a number of years, what would you say is the most rewarding part of the role and why? – what gives you the most job satisfaction?

To be accepted into people’s homes overnight, as a stranger to the patient and their loved ones at a very distressing and emotional time for them. I sit with a patient and their loved ones and effectively listen to them, being sympathetic but not judgemental, reassuring them that we will always be there for them to care and support them with any worries and concerns that they may have.

It is always important to build rapport, for the family to have trust in you so they can relax overnight by going to bed for much needed rest.

What gives me the most job satisfaction is when a patient has had the best possible care overnight. Any pain or agitation has been recognised and addressed with the support of the District Nursing Team. And seeing the appreciation from the patient and their loved ones.

What would you say is the most difficult part of your role and why?

The most difficult part of my role is caring for a young person at end of life. Especially when their parents and partner are present together with young children. These can be very sad situations, which are distressing for all involved.

I am not always able to leave a night shift and forget. There is sometimes the need for emotional support which we can access from our wider team which helps a lot.

As the Hospice at Home service celebrates 10 years of supporting people in their own homes, what has been the most memorable experience you have?

After working for the Hospice for 8 years there is not one actual memorable experience I can express. It is just that I have enjoyed all the years, the staff have always been very helpful, friendly and supportive of each other.

I have met many families who have welcomed me into their homes repeatedly to which I am very grateful.

Teresa Chaplin – started at the Hospice in October 2016

Having done the job for a number of years, what would you say is the most rewarding part of the role and why? – what gives you the most job satisfaction?

I think the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that I am helping patients and their loved ones. Over the years I feel I have developed the skills and knowledge to make this process run smoothly for them. I can be the person that can offer them reassurance and answer any questions, and if I can’t answer their questions, I will advise them who would be able to help.

We are visiting patients and their loved ones at home during very distressing and uncertain times, and if I can alleviate some of that stress and offer some reassurance and support I am glad to help.

What would you say is the most difficult part of your role and why?

The most difficult part of the role is closely linked to the question above. Seeing people distressed is always going to be hard. Watching families losing their loved ones and knowing what is going to come next with the mourning. It can be hard to know what to say to them, but you always find the words. It may only be a few words, but it is enough for them to know that you are there for them and you want to help them. To give them that support to face another day. It is also important to reassure them that how they are feeling is normal.

As the Hospice at Home service celebrates 10 years of supporting people in their own homes, what has been the most memorable experience you have?

There have been so many patients over the years who I have been honoured to look after. The time a patients can spend with us can vary, we may support them only for a day, a week and sometimes even months. It’s the relationships that you build during the short time that stays with you.