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Who Else Can Provide Help & Support?

Specialist Units

There may be times when specialist care, which is not available at home, is needed such as difficulty in managing pain, unresolving symptoms such as nausea and vomiting or complex psychological or spiritual issues. At times like this the patient can be admitted to a specialist care unit such as a hospice. Here a specialist team will focus on the holistic needs of the person and their family and will seek to relieve some of these symptoms. Once the specialist unit’s expertise is no longer required arrangements can be made for the patient to return home.

These specialist units can also provide respite care, so that the main carer can have time to rest or spend time with other family members safe in the knowledge that the patient is being taken care of.

Day Hospice and Day therapy Services

Day Hospices and Day Therapy Services are for patients who are living at home and are well enough to go out for part of the day. As well as helping to stabilise medical conditions and give family a break Day Hospice also provides companionship, peer support and a programme of activities and access to complementary therapies and spiritual counselling.

Day Hospices and Day Therapy Services are available as follows:

  • Northern Ireland Hospice Day Hospice (Belfast)
     74 Somerton Road, Belfast BT15 3LH

    Accessing Service

    (i) Service user - Patients may be referred by any member of the Primary Health Care Team, (i.e. GP, DN,) Hospital Consultant, Allied Health Professional, (i.e. OT, Physio, Speech Therapist) Social Worker, MacMillan team or Hospice Nurse Specialist. Patients may also be referred following admission to the In-patient Unit. Referral by completed referral form
    (ii) Healthcare professional - Patients may be referred by any member of the Primary Health Care Team, Hospital Consultant, Allied Health Professional, Social Worker, MacMillan team or Hospice Nurse Specialist. Patients may also be referred following admission to the In-patient Unit. Referral by completed referral form.

  • Northern Ireland Hospice Day Hospice (Ballymoney)
     Robinson Hospital, Ballymoney BT53 6HP

    Accessing Service
    (i) Service user - Referral via Hospice Nurse Specialist.
    (ii) Healthcare professional - Referral via Hospice Nurse Specialist

  • Foyle Hospice
     61 Culmore Road, Derry BT48 8JE

    Accessing Service
    Referral to the service is via a healthcare professional such as GP, District Nurse, Hospital Consultant etc.

  • Southern Area Hospice Service
     St. John’s House, Courtenay Hill, Newry, BT34 2EB

    Accessing Service
    Referral to the service is via a healthcare professional such as GP, District Nurse, Macmillian nurse etc. Patient’s may also be referral following admission to In-patient Unit.

  • Marie Curie Satellite Day Therapy Services
     Marie Curie Cancer Care, Kensington Road, Belfast

    Currently available on 3 sites 10am to 3pm
    Tuesday – Lagan Valley Hospital
    Wednesday – Marie Curie, Belfast
    Thursday – Downpatrick

    Accessing Service
    Referral to the service is via written referral from healthcare professional such as GP, District Nurse, Social worker etc. to the Day Therapy manage. GP consent must be obtained before a referral can be accepted.

Carer Support Organisations

You may also find it helpful to contact carer support organisation that can provide emotional and practical support. Organisations such as these provide an opportunity for you to meet and talk to other people facing similar challenges. Many of these will also help you with advice on how to access financial support. Some may even provide paid care attendants so that carers can have time for themselves or to spend time with other family members.

Spiritual Support

Palliative Care recognises the importance of spiritual care as an essential part of the care for patients and their families.  Spiritual care helps to explore difficult questions and conflicts that can be raised when faced with a terminal illness.  Spirituality is not just restricted to religious beliefs but how we interact with those around us and our own life experiences.  Sometimes taking a little time to contemplate and even hold hands with someone can provide spiritual care.  Just even talking about your beliefs and fears with someone can be a good source of support and comfort.  It may be a good idea to talk to your minister, pastor, priest, spiritual leader or a member of your faith community to discuss your spiritual needs and questions.  If you are attending a day hospice spiritual support is available to you if you wish.  If you are in hospital ask a member of staff to contact the hospital chaplain for you. 

Emotional Support

It is normal to experience a range of emotions when faced with a serious illness.  Coming to terms with a terminal illness can be very difficult for those with the illness, their families and close carers.  Family members, friends and carers including healthcare professionals can often provide emotional support.  However, sometimes it is good to work though emotions with someone outside of the family or not so close to the situation.  A counsellor with specialist training and experience can help to gently work though problems and emotions to explore the available options with you.  Counselling services are available at the Cancer Centre, Cancer Units and Hospices, which can be accessed through referral from a member of your healthcare team.  In addition many charities such as Ulster Cancer Foundation and Action Cancer provide counselling services.  Details of other organisations who provide counselling as a service can be found in the Find a Service section of the web site.

Complementary Therapies

Many people find complementary therapies help them cope with their illness. Patients and carers frequently report reduced anxiety and depression, greater relaxation, better symptom control and an improved sense of well being after complementary treatment.  More information and to find out where complementary therapies are offered are in the Treatment section under complementary therapies.

Financial Support

Many people experience a drop in their income and a rise in their outgoings at this time. Financial help may be available to you and your family. There are a number of Social Security Benefits that you may be entitled. Contact your local Social Security Office or your Citzen Advice Bureau to find out what help is available. The Hospital Social worker or nurse may also be able to help you access additional financial support such as travel costs, prescriptions charges, Macmillan Cancer Relief Grants.

Links to Find Out More

 

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