John Winter has been a patient with Florence Nightingale Hospice for three years following his diagnosis with Ataxia, a neurological disorder which affects balance, speech and co-ordination. Here he talks about his experience with the Hospice.
“My Ataxia symptoms have grown worse since my diagnosis, and I am now dependent on others. There is currently no cure.
“What started with frequent home visits from the Hospice nurses, administering medications, helping me to think positively etc, has led to being a patient at their Day Hospice. The visit has become the highlight of my week.
“At first I wasn’t keen on the idea. I’d heard that the Hospice is where you go to die. I think differently now, realising that the real aim is to improve the lives of people who have an incurable illness and help to make the most of the time the patient has left.
“Hospice care places a high value on dignity, respect and your wishes. The nurses, as well as looking after your medical, social and practical needs, have time to talk. This is important – it doesn’t happen in a hospital situation.
“Some people have a vision of hospices as quiet and gloomy places where the very ill go to spend their final days. This couldn’t be further from the truth and not my experience.”