Our Aim
The aim of Day Therapy is to help patients to continue to live well in the comfort of their own home, by empowering them to have better symptom control, and so improving their quality of life.
Key Members of the Team
The Team consists of medical and nursing staff, physiotherapy, social worker, complementary Therapist, Creative Therapist, Therapy Assistant and Chaplain.
Referral Procedure
How patients are referred to our Day Therapy Unit
Referrals to the Day Therapy unit are made by any care professional involved in the patients care. Please contact your district nurse or GP if you feel we can be of any help.
Attendance Criteria
Why people attend Day Therapy and what we can do to help
Patients attend day therapy one day a week for a short period of usually no more than 10 – 12 weeks which gives us the opportunity to help a patient to manage their symptoms
They are introduced to various techniques, which are tailored to their individual needs, to help them take greater control over their condition and as a consequence give them more control over their lives
Symptoms such as:- pain, nausea/vomiting, reduced mobility, breathlessness, anxiety and psychological needs can be helped by the following:
- Relaxation therapy
- Aromatherapy/massage/guided visionary exercises
- Exercise programmes/breathlessness management
- Anxiety management
- Nursing assessments using a holistic approach
- Group activities
- Craft and creative work
- Access to dietician
- Welfare rights and benefits support
- Carer support
Discharge Planning
How and when we plan a patients discharge from the Hospice
Discharge Planning commences at the patients first assessment. During their weekly attendance to Day Therapy, we will assess their needs and ensure measures are put in place to enable them to live comfortably at home.
Day Therapy staff liaise closely with other professionals involved in the patient’s care e.g. GP’s, District Nurses, Macmillan Nurses, Social Workers etc to ensure patients and their families/carers are well supported and all their needs are met whilst at home.
Carer Support
Care and support for patients, family and carers is of the utmost importance to us at Willowbrook Hospice.
Family and carers are welcome to accompany their loved one when they first attend Day Therapy.
Family and carers are encouraged to take an active part in the patients care. We will try and provde as much information as we can to enable them to make informed choices where ever possible.
The Day Therapy Team are always pleased to be at hand to discuss a patients progress, and provide help and support when needed.
