Hospice of the Valleys

There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes!!!

As some of you will know we used to run quite a few groups at Hospice of the Valleys, which the pandemic put an end to. Instead of starting the same groups again we took the opportunity to consider what would be the best service we could deliver for you. We have visited other Hospices and also looked at what the evidence says for people with life limiting conditions, and we have come up with a plan……

We want you and your carers to be able to tell us what is the most important thing to you, we don’t want to assume we know.

We want to help you work out how you can live your life as best you can, while you navigate the news of having a condition that might limit the length of your life.

We want you to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to look after yourselves and not always have to rely on someone else.

Living Well is an indivdualised service where we will invite you for an assessment and to find out about what we can offer you. We will discuss your needs and goals with the team and offer you a ‘package’ of services that we believe will help you achieve your goals.

Once you have accessed the services we will review your goals, you will then be discharged, or if your circumstances have changed, we will consider the best course of action.

We have managed to get a whole team of professionals together and may be able to offer you physiotherapy, social work, nursing, welfare rights advice, complementary therapy, music therapy and art therapy. There will be one to one appointments and groups available as part of this service.

We can’t wait to try this new improved service with you and look forward to your feedback! We will keep you updated on this service through social media.

All the best,

Alice – Living Well Lead

Phil was shell shocked when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago, age 44. Not knowing where else to turn, Phil self-referred to the hospice, already aware of the service as his father- in- law had received support. “When I was diagnosed I was unsure where to turn. The hospice helped me understand my diagnosis and then explained the services they could provide to support me and my family” Shortly after Phil’s referral his specialist nurse saw he was suffering from a number of stress induced problems and suggested complementary therapy. “I was sceptical to begin with, but I could soon feel the benefits. My stress levels decreased and my sleep dramatically improved”. Phil received reflexology, massage and aromatherapy he also received these treatments when staying at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital. The treatments improved Phil’s physical and psychological symptoms, allowing him to open up, discussing his fears and anxieties in a safe and relaxed environment. “It was my oasis in life, it was me time and I didn’t get that anywhere else. I would highly recommend having complementary therapies to anyone who is unsure. They have helped me no end and I haven’t looked back since” Phil explained. During Phil’s journey he accessed a variety of the hospice’s services including family support, nursing and therapies. The clinical team worked together providing the support Phil needed. Phil was discharged from the hospice as his symptoms were controlled and stable. Although Phil was anxious about discharge, he worked with the team and knows that should anything change, the hospice is only ever a phone call away.

Living Well

Keep up to date with Hospice of the Valleys

Hospice of the Valleys on Facebook

Hospice of the Valleys on Twitter

Stay in touch and help to make a difference