What to expect when visiting a hospice

In this blog:

• Overview
• It’s not like a hospital
• It’s not a depressing place
• It’s not claustrophobic

Overview

What do you think of when you hear the word hospice? People often tell us that they expect a hospice to be a dark, scary, and depressing place, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. However, visiting a hospice can be daunting, no matter what your reason for visiting is.

Whether you’re coming to the hospice for the first time after a life-changing diagnosis, to visit a loved one, or for your first volunteering experience, it’s okay to feel apprehensive. We want you to know what to expect when visiting St Barnabas House, and hopefully settle your nerves.

It’s not like a hospital

When people visit the hospice, they often expect it to be just like a hospital ward, but it really isn’t. Yes, we provide end of life care, but that’s only part of what we do. Patients access hospice care for so many different reasons, from symptom management to physiotherapy, emotional support and much more.

It’s important to know that not all hospice care happens at the hospice, we also provide hands on care in patients’ own homes – day and night – through our Hospice at Home service.

It’s not a depressing place

It’s rare to walk through the hospice and not see a smile or experience something special. Inevitably, there are sad moments at a hospice, but the team work tirelessly to ensure that patients and their families enjoy their time and make as many memories as possible.

From our maintenance and gardening teams, to catering, fundraisers, counsellors and nurses, everyone at St Barnabas House is proud of what they do daily. Many of our teams describe being there for patients at their most difficult time as a privilege. We are really proud of the team we have built, and you’re bound to see countless smiling faces on your visit. You can find out what it’s like to work here from some of our hospice employees.

It’s not claustrophobic

The gardens are an important part of St Barnabas House – a place where patients, families, and staff can go to relax and reflect. We have some beautiful, tranquil outdoor spaces at the hospice, such as our courtyard area, also known as the ‘green heart’ which can be accessed from all the key areas of the hospice. And our pond, which many people spend time at, listening to the water trickle. All patient bedrooms look out onto the gardens, which are easily accessible – we can even take beds outside.