Moments that bring comfort, dignity, and joy when they’re needed most

These are the moments that matter.

Moments that bring comfort, dignity, and joy when they’re needed most.

At the hospice, we make sure every moment counts.

By Kerry Truelove, Healthcare Assistant at Beaumond House

At Beaumond House, hospice care is about making every moment count—whether that means creating new memories or celebrating treasured old ones.

One lady told us it was her very first Christmas without decorations. Later that day, we returned with her tree, played festive music, poured a glass of wine (and Coke in a wine glass for us), and together we hung her favourite ornaments while she shared the stories behind them. It wasn’t just about trimming a tree—it was about honouring a life rich with memories.

Another gentleman, proud of his working life, lit up when we arranged a virtual tour of his old college. He laughed as he shared stories sparked by the photos, and because he loved animals and travel, we also took him on safari—through the magic of VR—without leaving his chair.

For a lady with Parkinson’s, once unable to enjoy the hobbies she loved, we found an XXL puzzle that worked perfectly. That small change reignited her confidence, leading her back to painting her cat, writing cards to friends, and finishing crosswords again. Her husband told us, with amazement, that he never thought she would be able to do those things anymore.

Sometimes it’s the simple touches: painting nails, styling hair, soaking tired feet in warm water, or offering a gentle hand massage. Each brings dignity and comfort.

And sometimes, it’s extraordinary. When a mother was too unwell to attend her son’s wedding, we brought the wedding to her. We shopped for her outfit, styled her hair and makeup, decorated the room with flowers, prepared a beautiful buffet, and even made a wedding cake. She witnessed her son make his vows, surrounded by love. The very next day, she passed away—but her family carried with them priceless memories and photographs of a day they will never forget.

Sometimes… it’s simply about laughter. Like the time we transformed a lady’s incontinence pads into “fancy pants.” She laughed, showed everyone proudly, and in that moment, joy triumphed over illness.

These are the moments that matter. Moments of dignity, comfort, and joy. Moments that remind us hospice care is not just about the end of life - it’s about living fully, right up until the very last breath.