Sandy’s story

“The hospital had told my family I wouldn’t make it,” Sandy said. “I was asleep for the first two days at Katharine House, and I didn’t know where I was until my partner Roy and one of my daughters told me. When I arrived, I was on a lot of medication and I wasn’t eating. The nurses here got me eating again. Even after the first meal, I felt so well. The doctors also helped me get my symptoms under control with the right balance of tablets. The care has been excellent. There is no other word for it.” 

Sandy’s all-round care and support

As Sandy’s symptoms began to ease, she became determined to get out of bed for a walk. With support from Lisa, the hospice’s occupational therapist, she began to regain her mobility. At first, she used a Zimmer frame but found it awkward. Lisa then arranged for Sandy to use a four-wheeled rollator with a seat, which made all the difference. 

“It’s amazing,” Sandy said. “I can walk round the garden and sit and take a break when I need to. It has given me my confidence back.” 

Sandy says the care she and her family have received has made all the difference – not just physically, but emotionally too. 

“I have been given so much support. Roy visits every day, and he cannot believe the change in me. He is like a different person now too, after all the support we have had.” 

One of the highlights of Sandy’s stay has been the food. 

“The cheese and mushroom omelettes are delicious, the best I’ve had! I look forward to mealtimes now and nothing is too much trouble for the kitchen staff.” 

Social worker Helen helped Sandy apply for fast-track assessment for NHS Continuing Health Care funding. This means her nursing care in a Brackley care home will be fully funded by the NHS, without the need for a financial assessment. 

She also received help from a benefits advisor, who looked into the delay of a benefit Sandy had applied for back in December 2024. The issue was resolved, and Sandy will now receive backdated payments. 

“I didn’t have to chase anything up on my own. The team here just sorted it and that took such a weight off me and my family.” 

Sandy made close friendships with other patients. One friend’s family has promised to visit her at the care home. Another friend is staying at Katharine House a little longer, but they have exchanged phone numbers. 

Sandy’s symptoms have been so well managed that she is now able to move on from the hospice to the care home in Brackley. 

“People might think that when Katharine House Hospice is mentioned, it means the end, but that isn’t always the case. You can also come here for a few weeks to help with symptom control.” 

Moving on

Although she is disappointed not to be going home, Sandy is looking forward to the move. 

“There is even a cinema where I can watch films with my grandchildren. The first one I’ll watch? Paddington, of course. When I lost my hair, my family bought me a red hat. Now they all call me Paddington. I tell my grandchildren I keep my marmalade sandwiches under there!” 

Looking forwards to a positive future

Sandy’s message to others is simple: “If you get the chance to go to Katharine House Hospice, just go. Don’t think twice about it. Let them do their magic and it will all be well in the end. I’ve been looked after so well and haven’t looked back.” 

Please help us help people like Sandy

It is thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters that we’re able to continue providing care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.

Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do.
• Read about the End-of-life care and Palliative Care (EPiC) Resource Centre, designed to support you and your family and friends, wherever you are in your journey with Katharine House Hospice.
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