“It all makes so much difference”: How Weldmar supports Doug and Marion at home

“A visit from Anneliese is something that I really look forward to,” says Doug, a Bridport resident supported by Weldmar Hospicecare.

Just look at the delight in his face in the picture above. It’s the result of a visit and reflexology treatment from Anneliese, from Weldmar’s Complementary Therapy team. Doug, and his wife Marion, have kindly allowed us to visit and find out more about the support they’ve had from the charity over the past few months.

The power of complementary therapy

“We natter about all kinds of things,” Doug explains. “Family, kids, and her new granddaughter! It’s lovely. I’ve had a neck and shoulder massage in the past but I really like the reflexology on my feet and legs. I feel so much better after a treatment. It’s lovely.”

Weldmar offers a range of complementary therapies to patients, which work alongside conventional medical treatment and aim to support physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Treatments are also offered to the carers of patients, which can help with things like anxiety and stress.

Marion says, “I’ve had neck and shoulder massages, which is very relaxing for me. It gives you a bit of space, and not have to think or worry about anything else. I’ve also had an aromatherapy stick, which has really helped with pain in my sinuses. Doug always keeps his aromatherapy stick in his pocket. It’s a peppermint one, and is good for when he’s feeling nauseous.”

“They are great for symptoms,” explains Anneliese, who offers to top up their sticks while she’s there. “They work quite subtly, but at the same time quite powerfully too. They can have calming, soothing, and sedative effects for symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, stress, grief and insomnia. They can make a big difference.”

“We had no idea that this was on offer from Weldmar,” says Marion, “and it’s really great that Doug can have this at home.”

A ‘marvellous’ hospice at home service

Complementary therapy is just one example of the holistic care that has brought comfort to Doug, Marion, and their children and grandchildren. Initially, Doug said that he wanted to go into the Inpatient Unit so that Marion wouldn’t have the stress of looking after him at home – but the support from the West Dorset hub of Weldmar’s Specialist Hospice at Home Service (pictured below) has been ‘marvellous’, and that he now feels safe and confident enough to remain at home.

“We also know that the offer of help from carers is there for when Doug needs that. I know they are there if I make a call.”

Marion has also had support from Chloe, Weldmar’s Carer Support Coordinator, who offers emotional and practical support to loved ones who find themselves in the role of a carer. “She’s coming round next week actually. I can chat to her, and it’s really nice. It can be quite lonely being a carer. When I’m out, people might ask, ‘How’s Doug?’, and I’ll reply ‘Yes, he’s fine thank you!’, but actually there’s all this going on.”

“I can’t fault any of it. It all makes so much difference.” – Doug

Help us continue to support people like Doug and Marion

Doug and Marion’s story shows the difference that compassionate care makes. Your support helps us continue to provide these vital, free services to families in our local communities across Dorset. Today, and every day, we need to raise £27,000. Find out how you can support us here.

Would you share your Weldmar experiences?

Our sincere thanks to Doug and Marion for sharing their Weldmar story. Stories like this help others to understand what hospice care is all about, and helps to beat misconceptions about how we care for adults with a life limiting illness. If you have a Weldmar experience that you would like to share, please contact Marketing and Communications Lead, James O’Neill, at james.oneill@weld-hospice.org.uk.