Mishelle has sorted home care support and has been working with St Helena’s occupational therapists to make sure Mavis will be comfortable at home. They’ve sorted a bed and mattress and a commode on wheels among other items of equipment to make everything as smooth as possible.

Mavis was a little apprehensive about going home at first as she felt she did not want to burden her family, but now the equipment and care is coming together, she is looking forward to it. 

The family has spoken about the future and have been adding thoughts and wishes to the My Care Choices record as they come up or if anything changes, as Mishelle explained: “Mum had said that she wanted to be able to come back here to the Hospice and have end of life care here. And she knows that when it reaches that sort of point, I'll be in daily contact with SinglePoint here. We'll talk about getting mum back on the admissions list, and we know that's a list not about how long you've been on it but it's about what the need is.”

Mavis feels reassured now that she has stayed at the Hospice. She said: “They’re really lovely, everybody, the catering girls, everybody's lovely. 

“The food is marvellous. I've never had a meal here that's not been really superb. I'm gluten free so they can do it for you even if it is not on the menu; there was nothing today on there so they're doing me a cod loin and mashed potatoes. I eat better than I did at home!”

Mishelle explained they had been struggling with food at home but because her mum’s pain levels are more controlled now, what she eats for lunch at the Hospice is more than she was eating for the whole day previously.

The bath too has been a real hit with Mavis: “I mean, the bath is heaven, that's wonderful that, you get your hair washed in it, lovely. It really knocks you out for a while but it's rejuvenating. What a wonderful thing just being able to float in the bubbles.

“Mishelle has brought all the aromatherapy things in, so it’s like we're at the spa because we used to go to the spa quite often. So that's what we feel like we're at.”

Mishelle agreed: “And it's nice that the nurses leave you alone and you know you're there with just your mum and as close as you can get...”

One day Mavis had a relaxing pampering day with a reflexology session from a complementary therapist volunteer, and Mavis's granddaughter painted her nails her favourite colour while Mishelle did her hair.

Mishelle and Mavis

Mishelle and Mavis with Dr Sarah and ANP Sarah

“And of course you've got little Paddy here, he's lovely, I love cats. He spends the whole night in here. He sits over on there on that chair. Different people bring their dogs in as well, several different dogs. My granddaughter brings her little dachshund in, she's lovely.”

Mishelle’s dog Archie has visited almost every day, which means so much to Mavis as she and her husband would often look after Archie when they were both well. Mavis’s husband has recently had an operation and is home being cared for by their son, so the visits from her furry friend are even more special – and Archie is really popular among the Hospice nurses and staff!

When Mavis had first arrived at the Hospice she was feeling quite nervous as she was confined to a side room with the door closed while waiting for the results of a test. She was relieved and reassured when the nurses said Mishelle could stay overnight on a bed next to her. 

A few months ago, Mavis managed to go to her granddaughter’s engagement party and had a lovely time seeing family and all the new babies. 

Mavis said: “They opened up the wedding dress shop on the Sunday for me to go and see her in her dress. 

"That was lovely, I thought that was so lovely. She looked like a princess. She looked beautiful. Really lovely memories.”

Having St Helena on the end of the phone is reassuring for Mishelle: “Prior to Mum coming into the Hospice, the SinglePoint service was particularly helpful, especially with telephone call support in the night, which can be a particularly lonely and difficult time when providing the care at home informally. It provides reassuring support and makes you feel less alone.”

Although Mavis is looking forward to going home, she wants to reassure other people who may be worried about going into the Hospice:

“I couldn't have asked to be anywhere better. If anyone had to come in here, they'd be delighted. You wouldn't have anything to worry about at all.

“I was very apprehensive to start. You just don't know what to expect. It's home from home but more in some ways; I haven't got a jacuzzi bath at home! It's good, I've been very happy here.”

Mishelle and Archie

Mishelle, Archie and Kristina having some tea in the Hospice lounge