For more information on Direct Referrals please email: nightingalehousereferrals@wales.nhs.uk

Family Support

We understand the impact of a life-limiting illness on you and the people closest to you. It’s why, over the years, we have developed a broad range of services to help people at what can be a very challenging time.

Our staff are trained to recognise the difficulties which you, your family, and carers face when someone is seriously ill; giving each person the time and space they need to talk about their concerns when circumstances are changing and help them to find ways of coping.

The social workers in the family support team are experienced in working across health and social care settings and work in partnership both with the individuals being supported and with other professionals, organisations, and services.

The team, in particular the chaplains, also offer support around spirituality, which is often a focus for people when they are approaching the end of their life. All family support team members are very experienced in providing bereavement support whether that be emotionally, socially, or practically.

Support can include:

  • Emotional support for the patient and/or their carers and family to help them in adjusting to their situation. This can include planning on how to talk to children about the illness and future plans.
  • Practical support, information, advice and signposting to other services. This can include support in accessing appropriate care, in the home or elsewhere, whether this is self-funded, via social care or continuing healthcare funding. It can also include advice regarding benefits or housing in order to help patients, carers and families who are worried about how they will cope in new and often unexpected circumstances.
  • Bereavement support – individual and group sessions.

We focus on living life to the full and making the most of the time people are with us. There is so much laughter and joy around the hospice and we are very fortunate that we’re not heavily time restricted, so for the most part we can spend time with our patients and their families as they need us.
People often ask me if it’s sad working at the hospice, but I love working here as it is a place often filled with happiness and laughter despite the reasons people have for being here. I had a placement here when I was a student social worker 13 years ago and I always wanted to come back and work here, so when the previous social worker retired, I was lucky enough to successfully interview and started working here professionally 6 years ago.
Sarah James Family Support Lead

Family Support FAQ

What might support look like?

All bereavement support sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual and may include one to one sessions or group activities. Sessions could entail the creation of memory books, discussions, listening, sharing experiences and developing coping strategies; signposting where appropriate.

What is the acceptance criteria for our Family Support Services?

Child bereavement support is offered to children and young people up to and including the age of 18 (no prior connection with Nightingale House Hospice is required). For all other services not linked to child bereavement, the individual must be known to our hospice services.

What services do the Family Support Team offer?

We work holistically, considering practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs, as well as offering support to patients and their family and friends.

Get In Touch

For more information on Family Support please call 01978 316800 or complete and submit the form below:

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