Specialist care for adults in Dorset with a life limiting illness

How can we help you?

We've put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Weldmar and the services we offer.

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Weldmar Hospicecare

Wellbeing Support Sessions

Our team at Weldmar Hospicecare are not just able to provide medical care and treatment, but we are also here to support your emotions and wellbeing too.

These new, tailored weekly sessions provide support for patients, carers, and those going through bereavement.

Back to Patient and Family Support Services

Whether you are a patient accessing our services, a carer receiving support or you are experiencing grief and loss, our Patient and Family Support team are here for you. In addition to offering counselling, spiritual support and complementary therapies, our Wellbeing Support Sessions provide patients, carers and those experiencing bereavement the opportunity to come together and receive support in a relaxed and informal environment.

We are currently able to provide a number of activities, facilitated by staff and volunteers experienced in providing emotional support. The sessions are for anyone receiving support from Weldmar Hospicecare and are held at either our Inpatient Unit in Dorchester or at our Weymouth Hub. As well as providing you with the appropriate support, you will also be able to meet like-minded others and build friendships and a network outside of the sessions.

If you are interested in attending one or more of these sessions, please speak to your Weldmar Community Nurse about a referral.

Weldmar Hospicecare

"I am thrilled with the care you have all given me since my husband passed away. I have the arts therapy and I have met so many people that suffer like me, and the ladies that run the arts group have made it feel it’s worth not giving up!! I was very lonely and at 90 years and married for many, it’s hard, thank you!"

Coffee Morning/Social Group

Monday mornings at Trimar House/ Tuesday mornings at our Inpatient Unit

Enjoy a chat and a cuppa at one of our Coffee Mornings!

Pamper and Relaxation

Tuesday afternoon at our Inpatient Unit.

Our pamper and relaxation sessions provide the opportunity to experience some complementary therapies, including reflexology and Reiki. We also have staff and volunteers on hand to treat you to gentle touch therapy and hand massages. You can even have your nails painted too! A chance to unwind in a relaxed setting, while having the opportunity to meet with others.

Gardening

Wednesday mornings at our Inpatient Unit

Calling all those with green fingers, or all those who wish to have a go at tending to an allotment. We will be working the land, growing fruit and vegetables, working on improving our allotment by building a new shed and installing new benches. A great project to be involved with. All within a stones throw from the Inpatient Unit.

Choir

Wednesday afternoon at our Inpatient Unit

Love singing? Told you were no good at it at school? Wish you had the confidence to sing but only currently get your vocal cords going in the car or the shower? This group is for EVERYONE. Come together to enjoy singing in a group. No experience necessary. And certainly no auditions!

Arts & Crafts

Friday mornings at our Inpatient Unit

Get creative and be with like-minded people. Work on your own project ideas, or be guided by our Creative Practitioner.

Games Café

Friday afternoons at our Inpatient Unit

A chance to join together to play some board game favourites.

Common Questions

Can my partner attend a Wellbeing Session with me?

Attending our Wellbeing Support Sessions gives you an opportunity to have some time to yourself, to make new friends, and have experiences that are just for you.

If you feel anxious about attending alone, you are welcome to bring your partner or carer with you for a coffee visit for your first session (where capacity allows), but after that, we encourage you to come alone, as it is a day specifically for you.

How many Wellbeing Sessions can I attend each week?

You can choose up to two sessions to attend each week, depending on which activities you are interested in.

Your attendance will be reviewed regularly, and if/when you no longer need us to meet your specialist needs, we may discharge you from the service. Of course, you will be involved in this review.

Can I just turn up to a Wellbeing Session?

No, you can’t just turn up to a Wellbeing Session, as we need to ensure we have enough support staff to assist with the sessions.

It is also important that we do not exceed the capacity of the space we use. With this in mind, we ask that you call to book into a session, if possible, with at least 24 hours’ notice on 01305 215206.

I can’t drive – do you provide transport to Wellbeing Sessions?

For patients who are unable to get themselves to our sessions, whether by driving themselves, or getting a lift with family, transport can be provided where capacity allows.

We have a minibus, and make good use of volunteer car drivers to bring our patients to us where appropriate.

A transport assessment would be completed by your Weldmar Community Nurse prior to attending, to ensure we can safely meet your transport needs.

Can you help me with my mobility and accessing the toilet at a Wellbeing Session?

We can assist with your mobility, whether it be walking alongside you to provide support, or using a wheelchair to help you get around the building. We have plenty of support workers available to assist.

In some sites, we have access to hoisting facilities too. An assessment would be carried out by your Weldmar Community Nurse prior to attending, to ensure we could safely meet your mobility needs.

Are meals provided at Wellbeing Sessions?

Light refreshments will be available throughout the sessions.

If you are attending a session at the Inpatient Unit, you may wish to take advantage of our Orangery Bistro where refreshments, hot and cold meals and light bites are available between the hours of 12noon and 2pm.

The Orangery

You could pre order a meal to enjoy after your morning session or before your afternoon session. There is a varied menu to choose from, at very reasonable prices. Please order at reception.

Who can attend Wellbeing Sessions?

Our sessions are open to patients, their carers or family members, and those experiencing bereavement.

The sessions offer opportunities to meet like-minded people, receive peer support in a relaxed group environment, and build friendships and networks to continue beyond the sessions.

There will also be a team of support workers and volunteers facilitating the sessions, always ready to provide a listening ear.

Day Services Hogsback Chapter

Making the most of every day

Wellbeing Support Sessions provides a great example of how Weldmar Hospicecare helps patients and their loved ones make the most of every day.

As Muhammad Ali said, ‘Do not count the days; make the days count‘.

Our patients have been able to ride Harleys with the Hogsback Chapter, actor Martin Clunes has brought his heavy horse Bruce to visit, we have had donkeys visit at Christmas, and so much more!

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