It’s no surprise that when people think about Hospices, they will often feel that they are places where people just go to die. Diana is living proof that this isn’t always the case!
Diana’s family were informed that she only had hours to live, but Diana had other ideas…
It’s a miracle! They brought me back to life. My daughter was told, “Your mums only got hours to live,” but the care team and doctor at Tapping House managed my symptoms and before I knew it, I was getting up and trying to walk!
They sent me home with a letter when I was discharged, it read “Diana is a very independent lady, she’ll tell you what she’s going to do.” When the doctor would come on his ward visits, he would always say “You still here?” and went on to say he had a miracle book at home, and I’m going in it!
While I was at the Hospice, what surprised me the most, was the time they gave me, all the special care they gave not only me, but the other patients. It’s the little things, like you can have your food whenever you want, no matter the time of day, whatever you want, they’ll get it for you.
They did my hair and painted my toenails, I really felt looked after, special and cared for. If people ever think Hospices are just places where people come to die, and it’s all doom and gloom, I tell everyone not to believe that.
A patient in the next room did unfortunately pass while I was on the inpatient unit, and she was only just talking to her granddaughter the day before. I knew when she had gone, because the care team kindly came to say they just needed to shut the door, which I felt was special and showed such dignity and care.
Now Diana is so much better, she even contemplated doing a skydive to celebrate her 93rd birthday this year!
To celebrate 40 years of providing compassionate care, Diana’s wish for Tapping House was simple. She wishes that it would just carry on, just as the hospice is, because you can’t beat it.