Amanda’s Journey: How Rowans Hospice’s Living Well Services Supported Her Through Caring and Bereavement
Amanda’s story is a heartfelt example of how Rowans Hospice’s Living Well Services offer compassionate, practical, and emotional support for people affected by a life-limiting illness — from diagnosis through to bereavement support.
Knowing of the Hospice from 30 years ago, Amanda first heard about our Living Well Centre in 2018 through a family friend. After attending an Open Day at the Hospice, she said “I learnt that it wasn’t just for end of life… and when this opened it was another eye opener.”
Since 2018, Amanda has been caring for her mum, whom had been diagnosed with Dementia, and shortly after, her Dad who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They first started coming to the Living Well Centre for the infamous roast lunches, just before Covid-19 Lockdown.
Amanda has been caring for her dad alongside a growing care team at home and the invaluable support of her sister overseas. Wendy , her sister has been able to see for herself, on visits home, how amazing the work of the Living Well Centre is and has taken great comfort and support in knowing such a service exists in our community.
Throughout this time, Amanda’s Dad was regularly attending our Veterans Group on a Monday, and as her Mum’s diagnosis worsened, she learnt about our Carers Services, such as: “the different crafts, jewellery making, gardening… and some of those things I did with my dad, and we would bring other people like his friends as well”
“My dad died in September 2023. So then I tapped into other groups like the bereavement groups. Not straight away, but I would also still bring my dads best friend with me… and someone we met here, his wife died a few months later, so I started bringing him to try and encourage him.”
More recently, Amanda has been coming for herself, by attending more of our therapies, such as Reiki and our Sleep Clinics. She also spoke about her experience with caring for her Mum and attending some of our practical courses, such as Future Planning and Power of Attorney, describing the workshops as “really positive… otherwise it’s a minefield.”
Like many people, Amanda found being a carer very difficult at times, describing it like a rollercoaster, and can be extremely dictating. Our team at Living Well Services are here to support you, whether you would like to attend a course, talk to one of our Nurses or just want to relax in the environment.
“It’s so peaceful just sitting here… This place has been invaluable, I think the diversity of it is incredible, there’s always something new. They’re so professional and they’re all really good…It’s really helped, even before my dad went. It’s hard because I cared for him and things developed quite quickly… but they were great. I still do come here and sit on the sofa, and the Veterans are still here and all his friends. But it’s the fact you can come here and do nothing.”
Our Living Well Services, understand that life-limiting illnesses can affect individuals in so many ways, and each story is different. Amanda mentioned how she often attends the groups as a carer, and gets to talk about that point of view, whilst also being able to listen to a bereaved person’s point of view, and understand their experiences.
“The overall thing is thank goodness you’re here… it’s been a godsend. The whole ambience, the place, what you do… They listen all the time, they don’t push anything on people, they make sure things are available, it’s been incredible really… because so many people like myself only knew the Rowans as a Hospice.”
“I used to help other people, so having people come here and learn has helped me a lot. It’s all about balance and this place helps with the balance and keeping things real, otherwise you’re second guessing. If you didn’t have professionals like in this place you’d be living totally off radar.”
Amanda also volunteers for the Royal British Legion and spoke to the Veterans there about the wonderful impact that our Community Hubs have for local people. These hubs are an opportunity for people who cannot travel to the Living Well Centre to talk to our nurses, and get support closer to them. Our Living Well Services currently hold hubs in Gosport, Hayling Island and Portsmouth.
Our Living Well Services are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Wednesday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. The Services encompass a range of face-to-face activities, and the opportunity to meet new people who can support and guide you. Please see below for full details on all available activities or contact us for more information.
If you would like to request a Call Back from our Living Well Services, please click here.
