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Family Support Team
The family support team provide services both in the hospice and in the community. Their aim is to address the social and/or psychological aspects of the care of patients, their carers and families when they are going through times of loss and change associated with the experience of a life-limiting illness and all the implications of that illness. Feelings that come about as a result of these changes and losses can be very powerful and distressing but skilled support can help.
The family support team are made up of:
- Social workers
- Counselors
- Spiritual care team
The team is able to help when the usual means of support are not enough. It can sometimes be helpful just to talk through issues with someone who is outside the situation but who is able to understand the difficulties and dilemmas involved.
Services offered include:
- Social work service - Dove House Hospice has its own team of qualified social workers who have considerable experience of working with people who are experiencing loss and change. They support patients, their carers, families and those close to them by working as part of a multi-disciplinary team that is concerned about every aspect of their lives. The team operate within the inpatient unit, day therapy unit and in the community and provide services before and after bereavement. Social work students from Hull University are frequently on placement with the team. The team are able to access a wide range of services and resources provided by other agencies in order to meet the practical, emotional, social and financial problems created by illness. So the support can be practical - liaising with other agencies, accessing information on housing, legal issues etc., emotional - counseling and support both during illness and after the bereavement for both adults and children, financial - benefits advice and information on how to access grants etc.
- The bereavement service is provided through the social work team and trained voluntary bereavement workers. The team primarily works with individuals, but sometimes arranges group meetings where people who have had similar bereavement experiences can gain mutual support from sharing their experiences with each other. The service extends to both adults and children and special 'children's days' are held from time to time where bereaved children are invited to spend the day with us to have fun and share their feelings with each other. 'Time for Remembering' services provide an opportunity to remember and celebrate the life of the person who has died. Members of the team are on hand to meet those who attend.
- The Spiritual care service is led by the spiritual care team leader and is made up of a team of dedicated volunteers from a range of spiritual backgrounds, who work both in the day therapy and in-patient settings. Care is given unconditionally regardless of religious and cultural preferences. The team's philosophy is that they are here for everyone. And spiritual care is offered to all patients, visitors and staff, including those with no religious background. Support is offered through working through issues raised by serious illness and other losses. There are opportunities for prayer, worship, communion, reflection, quietness and meditation and help can be given in maintaining or forming links with faith communities. There is a room in the hospice (the York Room) which is available for prayer and contemplation. A short service is held on a daily basis (Tuesdays to Fridays) and spiritual care can be offered to those who need it after they have left the hospice.
Please see how to refer under referral
For further information, please contact John Creasey, Head of Psychosocial Services, on 01482 784343 or e-mail j.creasey@dovehouse.org.uk