Former KEMP Patient Joyce shared her KEMP story to help others understand the impact of KEMP Hospice Services. Read Joyce’s story.
Help to Get Home with KEMP Hospice
Our patients here at KEMP have such inspirational stories. When we received a letter from long time supporter Joyce, we were keen to hear more about her story and how she has been supported by KEMP Hospice Care Services.
In 2012, Joyce developed severe back pain. After a number of visits to her GP, she was sent to hospital for an MRI scan. Joyce explained “The MRI scan found 4 tumours and a piece of bone adrift from my spine. I was sent for a 6 ½ hour operation right away to put in a metal plate, rods and screws to stabilise it to avoid being paralysed, but it left me unable to stand or walk for nine months”. After a long Hospital stay, Joyce was referred to a Care Home, still unable to walk, so still unable to return home. “It was during this time a Local Palliative Care Nurse referred me to KEMP Hospice for Physiotherapy. After just 3 weeks I was standing, and within a further 5 weeks I was walking slowly with a frame. Nine long months after I left for the MRI scan, I was finally able to go home”.
Referral to KEMP Hospice Care Services
Joyce was already familiar with KEMP Hospice when her Local Palliative Care Nurse suggested she be referred for Physiotherapy. “I’d known about KEMP since 2000 when I was supporting a neighbour who was a patient at the Day Hospice. I began seeing the Physiotherapist and within 3 weeks I was standing. After just a further 5 weeks she had me taking my first few steps. Being able to take these steps gave me hope. I knew that if I could walk again, I could get back home to my bungalow”.
Joyce set herself a target, “I decided I wanted to be back to my own home in time for my birthday” with consistent small improvements, and with support from the KEMP Hospice Care Services Team, Joyce did it and was back in time to celebrate her birthday in her beloved bungalow. “I left home in August 2012 and finally returned in May 2013 after 9 long months away”.
Since returning home, Joyce has continued to receive support from KEMP Hospice. She regularly attends the Day Hospice, and as a former flower arranger, she enjoys taking part in a number of activities such as gardening and crafts in particular. “Coming to KEMP Hospice has been like a lightbulb coming on. I have made friends who have been through similar experiences which I can relate to. I find that one of the things I like most is that everyone helps each other, the staff at the Day Hospice are very inclusive and good at making sure everyone feels involved and included”.
Support While Shielding
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Joyce has been shielding at home, but has continued to receive support from KEMP helping her through this difficult period. “I’ve had regular calls, twice a week, from Nerys, Toni, Lisa and other nurses from KEMP to keep in touch and continue my support, and I’ve also had a hot meal delivered every week”.
Joyce has been a wonderful supporter of KEMP Hospice over several years, including fundraising by selling homemade Christmas and Birthday tags.
Sadly, Joyce passed away in July 2021. She was keen to tell her story so others can understand how much KEMP Hospice meant to her, and how important the support and care she received was.
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