How the Freemasons Charity is helping hospice patients feel more comfortable, connected and supported.
For some hospice patients, a simple act of sitting outside in the fresh air with family can become difficult.
Thanks to funding from the Freemasons Charity, Mary Potter Hospice purchased specialised equipment. And these devices are bringing more comfort and support, providing care that responds to patients’ needs.
A chair that feels “like a hug”
Among the equipment funded is an adjustable comfort chair described by Physiotherapist Brian as feeling “like a hug” when you sit in it.
You can adjust the chair throughout the day to support patients as their comfort and mobility needs change. You can also wheel it throughout the hospice and outdoors with ease.
“For some patients, the only way to get outside would otherwise be in their bed,” Brian explains.
The chair presents another option to being wheeled around in a bed. It helps patients spend time outdoors in fresh air, sit alongside family and loved ones, or simply enjoy a change of surroundings in comfort.
“It’s about maximising quality of life for that day, basically,” says Brian. “That hour or two hours.”
Helping to relieve painful swelling
Several Freemason Lodges with the support of the Freemasons Charity funded a special compression therapy device too. This device helps patients with painful swelling in their limbs from lymphoedema.
For patients who can’t move about as easily, fluid may build up in their limbs. This can lead to discomfort, heaviness, and distress.
The device gently copies how muscles move. It helps push fluid through the body when patients can’t do it on their own.
“The sleeve is doing all the work,” Brian says.
Patients can sit with family, watch television or rest while receiving treatment.
“They can engage in the world while the sleeve is on,” he says.
The treatment can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility and lower the risk of infection. It can help a patient feel more at ease and confident in their bodies during a vulnerable time.
“It’s comfort, but it’s also dignity and self-esteem.”
More comfort, connection and relief
These pieces of equipment may seem simple, but they impact patients greatly. They boost comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Patients can spend more time with family, move around easily, and find relief on tough days.
Thank you to the Freemasons Charity for helping to make this care possible for patients and whānau now and into the future.
Mary Potter Hospice couldn’t do what it does without you.
You put the patient at the heart of hospice service, encircling them with care and compassion so they can treasure every moment. Mary Potter Hospice is here for you and your family or whānau.
Fund this caring and compassionate work by making a special gift today.
Every day, families across our community rely on Mary Potter Hospice for this kind of care.
But it can only continue because of people like you.