My wife Maureen became seriously ill in December 2015. Despite being in severe pain she carried on trying to live as normal life as possible. After Christmas she became very short of breath and was taken into the City Hospital to have a lung drained. Instead of a 24 hour visit she became very poorly and came out of hospital in a wheelchair.
Out of ignorance I had always assumed that Hospices are sad, no hope places. However I did need assistance to look after Maureen at home so I contacted Beaumond House and I found the opposite to be true. They immediately sprung into action by visiting us and helping Maureen to wash and get dressed and giving her a bath back at Beaumond House. We were always treated with dignity and cheerfulness. During this period if ever I was worried, I could ring day or night and speak to one of the wonderful nurses who always gave me time, assurance and good advice.
At the beginning of April, Maureen was admitted for some respite care. This place has a wonderfully calm and peaceful atmosphere. Not only was Maureen given wonderful care but I was too. Maureen was very brave and knew she was going to die. Being at Beaumond house was like being part of a family and we all fought with Maureen together. She died peacefully in Beaumond House on the 19th. April 2016.
Since then I have also got to know Cathy and her fund raising staff who are equally as kind and patient. They are also now part of my “family” which I still feel very much part of. I pop in very regularly and no matter how busy everyone is I never feel in the way and I continue to get great support from my family. I look forward to these visits and every time I walk down the drive to the house, I feel like a big comfort blanket is enveloping me and whatever pain I may be feeling, the world is right again.
I will always be grateful to all the staff at Beaumond House.
Words by Ron Watkins