MS case study
East Lancashire Hospice cares for people in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Clitheroe areas.
We can help and provide information for people with life-limiting conditions from cancer to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and from dementia to Parkinson's.
The support we offer comes in many forms; physiotherapy, stays in our inpatient unit for things like symptom control, complementary therapy, offering services in the community in people's own homes, Creative and Support Therapy groups, counselling and bereavement support.
To give you an idea of the support we offer people suffering from MS, read Allan's story below:
Name: Allen Turner
What condition do you have? MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
What town do you live in?: Great Harwood
What does your condition stop you from doing on a daily basis? It stops me from doing everything really. I’ve been in a wheelchair for 10 years so I need help with many things.
When the hospice was first suggested to you, how did you feel? My sister in law first suggested the hospice to me as she was friends with one of the trustees. I’d been to the hospice before as my daughter passed away there 11 years ago so I looked forward to going and meeting others in a similar position to myself. I can understand it would be daunting for some people but they should go and see for themselves.
What help do you get from East Lancashire Hospice? It was decided that attending Creative and Support Therapies would be most useful for me as it’s better than sitting at home! I started going for a full day a week but that was a bit too much for me as I was very tired by the time the ambulance took me home. So now I go twice a week for half a day and that works better for me. I get picked up by ambulance and they take me home again. It’s a safe place to come, I’ve built friendships with others and the staff are always on hand to talk to about anything that’s troubling me. They’re all very approachable. I really look forward to going.
Has help from East Lancashire Hospice improved your day to day life at home? Before I started attending East Lancashire Hospice I struggled to write my own name because of my MS. But I go to the hospice art classes on a Thursday afternoon and I have learned to paint. The artist who comes in just told me to slow down and have patience, and I’ve been able to produce some pieces of artwork which I never thought I’d be able to do. At the hospice I’ve planted and grown beetroot, helped with furniture restoration by sanding a chest of drawers, and built a bug hut. Going to the hospice has helped me keep active and alive.
How do you feel looking forward knowing the hospice is there for you? I know that there’s nothing to fear. I’d be lost without the hospice.
What would you say to anyone with your condition that currently doesn’t use the hospice? Go and give it a try. It’s not a scary place at all and it’s not about dying.
- If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and would like to know if the hospice can help you, please call 01254 965830.
To read about how we've helped people with other conditions, click on the links: