Support at home

Support at home

“Once Hospiscare were involved in my care I felt I had someone to turn to, to be able to say openly how I am feeling and what concerns I have without being judged. I have a named nurse so I have continuity of care.”

Hospiscare’s community team can offer you support, whether you’re in your own home, a care home or another setting.

Your Hospiscare nurse will have been specially trained to support people who have a life-limiting illness. They can help you with pain relief and symptom control, and offer emotional support and practical advice. Your nurse will listen to you and discuss your illness, treatment and the future. A family member or friend can take part in the conversations if you wish. The aim is to help you to make informed decisions, keep your independence and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital.

Your nurse will work closely with your GP, consultant, district nurses, and anyone else involved in your care, to make sure you get the care that’s right for you. They can also refer you to other services that may be of help.

Hospiscare’s team of specialist doctors and therapists can also provide expert palliative care advice, to make sure you’re getting exactly the right type of care at the right time.

You’ll be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

“A brilliant team, so caring, encouraging and supportive both to me and my husband.”

24 hour support

We’re always just a phone call away if you need support. Your nurse will give you details of the help that’s available, but if you need medical advice ASAP, please call 01392 688044. This line is open out of hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Hospiscare at Home

As your illness progresses, our nursing team may be able to offer you additional support, including hands-on care. If you decide to spend your final days in your own home, our team of nurses will endeavour to make sure you remain as comfortable and symptom-free as possible, in your home environment with the people and things that matter most around you. They’ll respect your privacy and give you time alone with your family and friends when you wish.

The Hospiscare at Home service is currently offered in several areas across Devon and we’re aiming to expand it to other communities. To find out whether it’s available in your area please call 01392 688040. Hospiscare at Home is funded by Hospiscare and Budleigh Salterton & District Hospiscare.

”It is hard to put into words the wonderful care that was given to us… [the nurses] are the most wonderful people that I have ever met and nothing was too much trouble. They took so much pressure away. While my dad was relatively pain free he was able to chat with the nurses about all sorts. He also had a lot of laughs with them. I will never be able to thank them enough for what they did but I will sing their praises everywhere I go.”

What happens next?

Once you’ve been referred to Hospiscare, a nurse will contact you to arrange a first meeting. Your appointment will be in one of our outpatient clinics or in your own home, depending on your circumstances. Your nurse will talk to you and your family about your needs, tell you more about Hospiscare and agree a package of support.

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Managing your symptoms

Breathlessness, fatigue, pain and other symptoms can be very distressing. Our nurses can discuss medication and other treatments with you. You may benefit from coming along to a free wellbeing group. You can also find lots of advice in our Advice & Information section.

Support for managing symptoms

How to get support

We work with people who have a life-limiting illness across the heart of Devon. If you believe you’d benefit from our support, please speak to your GP about being referred.

Find out more