Age is no barrier for Jean and Bernie

Comfort at a difficult time

Jean described how his time at St Luke’s brought him comfort at a difficult time.

“Before going in he was always asking me to go home, which I think is typical in dementia. People will say they want to go home, but they just want to be in a safe place, but they don’t know where that safe place is. He didn’t really know where he wanted to be, but he never ever asked to go home once he was in St Luke’s. He was, I would say, calm and he felt looked after and he felt safe.

“And in turn, that helped us because we could leave knowing that he was being looked after, not worrying about, you know, what would happen when we left. It gave us peace of mind. We were able to enjoy one another’s company instead of being fearful and anxious and afraid. We had that time, which is really, really special.

“I really haven’t got words to express how much St Luke’s gave us. Those four weeks wiped out all the anxiety and fear and worry of the previous years, really. Because he was severely sight impaired and then with the cancer diagnosis, it got very difficult at home. I don’t think I for one appreciated how difficult it was. And so that worry was all taken off my shoulders and St Luke’s took it on. And I would say everybody played a part in that, it wasn’t just the nurses and the doctors, it was the cleaners, the receptionist and people working in the café as well, everybody was so caring. Everyone made the effort.”

Jean went on to recall how Steve’s daughter described the last few telephone calls she had with him, while he was at the hospice. “She said to him, you know, how are you? And he said, I’m okay. And then she said, are you happy? And he said, yes, I’m happy. What more could somebody ask for when they’re losing themselves? Just to be looked after, cared for and safe.”