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DonateVaveena's Story
Vaveena was referred to our Counselling and Support Services team after the loss of her beloved father-in-law.
She said: “We looked after Dad at home, supported by Compton’s Community team. The support we received was fantastic, not just for Dad but for all the family. I had a lot of questions about what to expect when he deteriorated and I was in touch with the nurses quite regularly, so I felt that the support was not just there for Dad but for us as a family too. It was hard to have those conversations, but I’m glad I did because I needed to know and to prepare not just myself, but the rest of the family.”
“Dad wanted to stay at home rather than go into hospital, so the support from the nurses for us as a family was invaluable. One day, Dad had a really bad turn, and I contacted the Compton nurses. It was Dad’s wish to go into Compton, and so he was admitted to the Inpatient Unit. He sadly passed away later that same day.
“Dad wasn’t on the Inpatient Unit for very long but the short hours that he was there I cannot praise the doctors and nurses enough because, as a family, we were able to just completely focus on Dad. The staff at Compton are really supportive and emotionally in tune to their patients and their loved ones which helped massively and made all the difference.”
Following the loss of her father-in-law, Vaveena and her family received support through Compton’s Counselling and Support Services Team for bereavement care, and Vaveena was referred to the Complementary Therapy team.
She said: “The complementary therapy has been so amazing, and the staff are fantastic. I’ve tried a few of the treatments available to see which one would suit me best and I would enjoy the most.”
Complementary therapies can be used to improve physical and emotional health and Compton’s experienced therapists work with people to create a plan of treatment based on their individual needs. Treatments include aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and Reiki and the therapy rooms offer a quiet and calm space for people to rest, relax and enjoy their treatment.
Vaveena continued: “I tried meditation and also shoulder, neck and back massage and the therapist sends me into such a relaxed state, by the time I come back around I feel so calm it really is amazing. The therapist can tell when I’m holding a lot of tension, and it really is helpful.
“I think complementary therapy really helps the grieving process. It’s a lovely experience and something I look forward to which gives me a focus if I’m feeling bit down. After my treatment I’m in a different mindset, I feel so much more relaxed and so much lighter and for quite a few days after my treatment there’s a little bit of a spring in my step.
“The therapists don’t just concentrate on my treatment, they’re always asking me how I am, how I’m feeling, and whether there is anything they can help with, and if I need to offload, they’ll happily sit there and listen to me.
“I want to thank everyone at Compton for looking after Dad and our family, and continuing to look after us even after Dad’s gone. If Dad was still here, he would thank you too.”