Morning

No two days are ever the same. My day usually starts at 8.30am with a review of the most unwell patients on my caseload, working out who needs urgent support or changes to their care.

I head out for my morning visits. These are usually prioritised for the patients and families who need us most that day. The aim is always to make sure people are comfortable, supported, and cared for with dignity at home.

Afternoon

In the afternoons, I often visit patients I already support, either weekly or fortnightly. Reviews can be over the phone or in person. On a typical day, I’ll see two or three patients and make several calls in between. One gentleman I visited recently was deteriorating quickly. I assessed his pain, adjusted his medication, referred him for equipment, and arranged urgent care so he could stay at home. I supported his family daily until he died at home, just as he wanted.

Evening

The day ends back at the hospice with paperwork, referrals, and liaising with GPs. It can be busy, but it’s also hugely rewarding. For me, palliative care is about helping people live as well as they can – and making every day matter.

Hospice care at home – what it really means

People often picture a building when a hospice is mentioned. But for most people we support, Ashgate’s care happens in their own home, whether that’s a house, care home or supported living.

Our community team helps people with life-limiting or incurable illnesses to live well at home, for as long as possible and, if they choose to, to die there too. The team includes
specialist nurses and support workers who visit people across North Derbyshire, working alongside GPs, district nurses and other professionals.

Their role is to offer expert advice on managing complex symptoms like pain, sickness or breathlessness. They also help people think about what matters most to them – whether that’s planning ahead, talking about wishes for future care, or making sure the people important to them are supported too.

Some people are referred to the team for a short while, just to get symptoms under control. Others are supported for longer, especially as they approach the end of life. The team can also link people up with other Ashgate services, such as physiotherapy, or occupational therapy, depending on what’s needed. We also offer paid for services, including complementary therapy and counselling.

It’s care that happens quietly, behind closed doors. But the difference it makes to people’s lives, and to their deaths, is extraordinary.