‘John had such small daily goals, but we gave him the time and space to


reach them.’ Douglas House care team member


John’s story


John was only 16 when he came to Douglas House for end of life care. After finishing treatment in hospital he returned home for a short while, but desperately needed symptom control care and his severe pain managed 24 hours a day.


It was clear that the round the clock care he needed could not be provided within the community and whilst hospital was an option it was decided that Douglas House was the only place that could give him the care he needed, in an appropriate environment for his age.


One of the care team members who looked after him said; ‘He had such small daily goals, but we gave him the time and space to reach them.” This could have involved anything, from helping John have a comfortable day free from pain, to shopping for his favourite chocolate biscuits from a local store.


Over Christmas 2009 the family stayed in one of the family flats to be with John. They enjoyed Christmas lunch all together in the dining area in Douglas House and the therapy room was given over to John’s brothers and sisters, so that he could have a much needed rest and they could have a break to play on the bean bags with various games that the care team had moved into the room.


John was given only weeks to live when he was referred to Douglas House for end of life care in October 2009. His symptoms were many and challenging to control. He remained being cared for in the hospice until he died, on 7 March 2010.


The family support and bereavement team


It was clear that the round the clock care he needed could not be provided within the community


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