Dot's Story

Although Dot’s children had known about Beaumond House for most of their lives, they never truly understood the depth of support it offered until the moment they needed it themselves.

Dorothy – or “Dot” to just about everyone – was born and raised in Newark. She was a mum to four girls, a fun-loving, bargain-hunting shopaholic, and someone who brought joy wherever she went. Dot especially loved Christmas; every year she’d turn up in a flashing pair of earrings or a delightfully tacky light-up badge, smiling as brightly as her decorations.

When Dot became unwell, her family were devastated to learn that she had cancer of the bile duct and only a few weeks to live. She told her daughters that she wanted to stay at home, supported by the Hospice at Home team from Beaumond House. Proud and fiercely independent, accepting care didn’t come easily to her at first. But she also knew how much the team could help – not only from her own experience, but from the support they had given her five years earlier when she was caring for her mother.

Dot worried that looking after her at home might be too much pressure for her daughters. She gently asked them whether they would prefer her to go into the hospice as an in-patient. But her girls were determined. With the help of the Hospice at Home team, they knew they could honour their mum’s wish to stay in the comfort of her own home.

Once the team became involved, everything changed. Dot’s children felt reassured and supported. They were able to take part in her care, but more importantly, they were able to simply be a family again. The house filled with laughter and giggles. In the family’s own words, “Beaumond House made a sad time happy. The team made everyone feel at ease. They were never in a rush and always made time to check in with us too.”

Dot passed away peacefully at home with her daughters by her side. Their very first call afterward was to the hospice, knowing they would be guided through what to do next with kindness and calm — and that is exactly what happened. The team couldn’t have done more for them… though perhaps they could have done the hoovering, too.

Saying goodbye to the familiar faces who had become part of their family was harder than they expected. Dot’s daughters remain deeply grateful to each and every person who helped them through such a heartbreaking time. Their care, compassion, and presence made all the difference.