Weldmar: More than a hospice
There are a number of misconceptions about hospice care, and we provide more support and care than you probably realise.
First published to mark Hospice Care Week 2023, we’re telling ‘Robert’s Story’ to highlight many of the services available to all adults in Dorset who are diagnosed with a life limiting illness.
All of our care is provided for free, but to maintain these services we must raise £27,500 every day.
How much do you know about the care that Weldmar provides?
By watching the above video, you may notice that you have a few misconceptions about hospice care.
Did you know that…
83% of the care we provide is beyond the walls of the hospice building
Not everyone we care for is old – anyone over the age if 18 with a life limiting illness can receive our care
You don’t just go into a hospice to die – many people return home after symptom management or pain control
As well as clinical and nursing care, we offer practical and emotional support to patients and those who are important to them
There are other misconceptions too.
Weldmar doesn’t just look after people with cancer. Life limiting conditions could also include heart disease, Motor Neurone Disease or other neurological conditions, lung disease, and more.
Weldmar is not part of the NHS. Although we receive 17% of or funding from the NHS, we are an independent charity.
We are not a national charity. We provide our care to adults in Dorset, stretching from Lyme Regis to the Purbecks, and Portland up to Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Sherborne.
Weldmar is not just there for the end. Our care is available during the last expected twelve months of life, and in that time we aim to give person centred, compassionate treatment, care and support for both patients and those who are important to them. We help those in our care make the most of every day.
Whilst Robert’s is a fictional story, we have real examples of how all of the services described have helped individuals who have needed Weldmar’s specialist care. Here are some of them:
So, how you you help?
There are many ways that you can help us maintain our free services. You can make a single or regular donation, sign up for Your Hospice Lottery, hold or visit a fundraising event, shop with us, and more.
One of the best ways you can ensure that Weldmar is available for those who need us in the future is to leave an affordable gift in your Will, and we can help you write a free will.
Find out more about how to support Weldmar Find your nearest Weldmar charity shop