Comfort, dignity and some Harry Styles

Sharon talks about her Mums experience at ACCORD and why they are eternally grateful that their mums’ final weeks were met with dignity, respect and kindness.

Living locally, we had always heard of ACCORD and had no doubts about the wonderful service they provide. This was the first time our family had any interaction with a hospice, we could not help but feel apprehensive of the months ahead of us and what the experience was going to be like, however those apprehensions and fears quickly disappeared on the first day when mum was admitted.

Our first impression was a sense of tranquillity, as if our shoulders came down and we knew that our mum was in the best place to be taken care of. There was an initial warmness and calmness as soon as you entered the hospice, and the professionalism of the staff heightened our confidence in the care that our mum would receive. Our initial questions and concerns were met with caring and thoughtful answers and there was a real understanding of our emotions from the very first day- the initial experience provided a sense of comfort that we had been holding out for.

The level of care our mum received was nothing short of outstanding. We had peace of mind that she was being well always looked after with the dignity and respect she deserved. There was genuine kindness and compassion amongst the staff who cared for our mum, and it felt like they were part of our family.

They were with us for the highs and the lows and really did provide a comforting hand at every step of the way.

Every single member of staff stood out to us. From the moment you enter the reception you are greeted with a friendly presence and every single member of staff who cared for our mum became a friend. We even had nurses on placements who had touched our mum’s heart so much she insisted we buy them a bottle of wine (her favourite) when they had finished their placement. I must mention Sylvia who made mum laugh every day and she commented that I had met my match with someone who could talk more than me! Peter is also an exceptional member of your team. He would always come to check up on us all and loved to chat to our wee dog Bo. It felt like we had known them forever and there was real personal bond between us all. In addition to this from the day mum was admitted we met Alison who explained everything clearly in simple words that helped us understand what the next steps would be with mum. It really did put our mind at rest.

A particularly meaningful experience for our family was being given

the opportunity to allow mum to attend her granddaughter Morgans graduation. During the months leading up to the ceremony, our mums declining health had left us with doubts that she would be fit enough to attend or even leave the hospice. However, with the sheer determination from the staff and our mum herself – we saw her sit proudly in the front row watching Morgan achieve her degree.

With ACCORD it really felt like nothing was impossible and that life was still to be lived to the full even in the short time that there was left.
There was a belief in the air of making each moment count and a lot of the time the joyful moments we had could sometimes outshine the darkest of days. We have fond memories of laughter and dancing on the days that mum felt well enough.
During her 7 weeks in the hospice her love of Harry Styles was well voiced and there were moments where the doctors would put on Harry’s songs just to bring a smile to her face – even joining in on the dancing, something we will never forget.

She loved to dance, and it is so special to us that even in her last few weeks of life she still got the chance to. We also had a girls pamper night where we brought face masks, watched a movie and brought snacks and mum was even allowed a wee glass of wine. She spoke of that night for weeks later.

ACCORD really was a comfort blanket for us all. On the times we did fall there was always someone there with a listening ear and a comforting hug. The ability to switch from the patient care to the family care in an instant was truly exceptional and they always went out of their way to make sure you were looked after too.

There was always someone ready to sit down with a cup of tea to listen to your worries and to let you know that were not alone.
From the moment mum passed the empathy and understanding was second to none. Dr Wally and Alison explained clearly what would happen next and what we had to arrange as a family.

Explaining everything clearly. They all insured us there was no rush and to take our time to say goodbye to mum before the next steps were made. I also feel I should mention and please accept my apologies I can’t remember the nurses name who called me to advise of mums passing. Her compassion and understanding again I will never forget.

We could never thank ACCORD enough for the support we received as a family during our mums’ illness. We truly believe the care she received ultimately extended her life and that allowed us to continue to make memories in the short precious time that she had left.

ACCORD will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we are eternally grateful that our mums’ final weeks were met with dignity, respect and kindness.

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“When my mother died, I was genuinely comforted by the fact she had been at the Hospice”

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Comfort, dignity and some Harry Styles

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Sharon talks about her Mums experience at ACCORD and why they are eternally grateful that their mums’ final weeks were met with dignity, respect and kindness.

Donations change lives

“When my mother died, I was genuinely comforted by the fact she had been at the Hospice”

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“Everyone has been so generous, and the final total raised is testament to how adored my mum was at ACCORD hospice”