We’re expanding our bespoke Living Well programme to help people make the most of the time they have left.

We’re expanding our Living Well programme due to rising demand. The 12-week programme for patients facing life limiting and terminal illness enables them to access an exciting range of groups, classes and social support.

“A terrifically worthwhile service. I now know what to do next – something that can become quite confusing at times when your loved one is faced with a terminal illness. At no time during my visit to ellenor, did I feel that I was being a nuisance, as I was treated with respect, kindness and care. Nothing was too much trouble. I left feeling much calmer and happier” – Wellbeing patient.

The Living Well programme has been designed around the needs of patients. The bespoke approach involves our professionals and patients working together to create a programme tailored to each patient’s specific needs - from managing anxiety to improving mobility and planning for the future. By involving patients in their health and care, putting their needs at the heart of the process, it allows them to feel more empowered and goal focussed about their care and treatment.

“The patient-centred approach is essential in improving lives” believes Dr Russ Hargreaves, Head of Wellbeing. “As people with life limiting and terminal conditions are living longer, but with more complex needs, we are adapting our services to help our patients make the most of the time they have left. Our patients want and need to be involved in their care that gives them as much control as possible. Our Living Well programme aims to support people to take greater control of their health and make positive changes. After 12 weeks patients can still access our Wellbeing Service and also gain professional support if it is needed. Providing continued access to our services allows patients to feel supported in the longer term once their tailored programme has finished” says Dr Hargreaves.

With its goal of encouraging people to be partners in decisions about their care, the Living Well programme will now be extended to three days – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - from 26 February 2020 to meet the growing need. All activities take place at the hospice, from 10am to 3pm.

“The new Living Well service at ellenor has encouraged our patients to think about what matters to them and how they want to spend their time living life to the fullest. We help each patient to set themselves a goal to achieve in the 12-week period, which enables them to focus on particular aspects of their life. Whatever that may be, our entire team is focussed on helping that individual achieve it, so they are empowered to be able to do more independently.” – Andrew Lowden, Senior Physiotherapist.

In addition, we're also making available our creative writing, legal advice and financial support sessions every Friday from 11am to 12pm. This ‘Social Drop-in’ session also offers people the chance to find out more about the many supportive services we offer.

“They were able to support me to fill in the form and gain access to several benefits, including the Personal Independence Payment and applying for a blue badge, within a reasonably short visit. I was also able to gain access to free legal advice from a solicitor, who attends ellenor between 11am and 12pm on a Friday” – says Louise Keehan.

To find out more about the Living Well programme and our Wellbeing services, please contact Dr Russ Hargreaves, Head of Wellbeing russ.hargreaves@ellenor.org or call 01474 320007.