When Hazel Booth became seriously unwell during the final weeks of her life, Dr Kershaw’s Caring Hands Team helped her remain comfortable at home surrounded by those she loved most.
“The Caring Hands Team are angels”
Daughter Trish reflects on the comfort, reassurance and compassion her family received from Dr Kershaw’s before her mum sadly died at home, aged 86. She also shares how the team’s kindness and support helped make an incredibly difficult time feel more manageable for both her mum and those closest to her…
“Mum was a very glamorous lady who always took pride in her appearance. She had a wonderful sense of humour, was always smiling and loved life.
Mum had two sisters, Ivy and Sylvia, and four children — Stephen, Tony, Garry and me. She was also a proud grandmother to Charlotte, Rebecca, Victoria, Jessica and Nicholas, and later became a great-grandmother to Camille. Family meant everything to Mum, and she absolutely adored us all.
Although family was always the centre of her world, Mum also worked hard throughout her life, spending time working in the textile mills and later as a waitress. After losing her first husband Bill, five years later she met Brian, who became the love of her life and soulmate.
Mum loved travelling and enjoyed holidays both abroad and around the UK. She loved to try new things and was very sociable, regularly wining and dining with her girlfriends.
Swimming was another thing Mum loved, and our family were incredibly proud when her granddaughter Jessica competed for Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics as the youngest ever British swimmer. We still laugh remembering being stopped outside the stadium by BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay whilst dressed in matching red, white and blue waistcoats. Mum answered his questions in a very posh voice reminiscent of Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances, leaving the whole family in stitches when the interview went out live on television.
Mum had always been an active person, but in 2013 at 79 years old, she sadly suffered a brain haemorrhage which affected her balance. This eventually resulted in her needing to use a wheelchair. Despite this, she never let it stop her enjoying life or spending time with family and friends.
Because Mum had always taken such pride in her appearance, the carers would make sure she looked lovely every day — helping her get dressed, ensuring her hair looked nice and even spraying her favourite perfume before they left. Those little touches meant so much to all of us because they understood exactly who Mum was as a person.
During the final seven years of her life, I cared for Mum at home. She gradually became much frailer and was diagnosed with stomach cancer, but still enjoyed getting out when she could and spending time with family.
Not long before she died, my brother Garry took Mum on a short break to the Yorkshire Dales and after returning home Mum became very unwell. An ambulance was called and after a short stay in hospital, Mum returned home where arrangements were made for her to be cared for by the Dr Kershaw’s Team.
When the Hospice’s Caring Hands Team first visited us, they immediately helped us feel calmer. They explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and reassured us at a time when we felt overwhelmed.
The Caring Hands Team visited Mum three or four times a day and we could not fault the care they gave her. They treated Mum with such dignity, kindness and respect, always making sure she was comfortable and cared for properly. Because Mum had always taken such pride in her appearance, the carers would make sure she looked lovely every day — helping her get dressed, ensuring her hair looked nice and even spraying her favourite perfume before they left. Those little touches meant so much to all of us because they understood exactly who Mum was as a person.
One weekend, the weather was terrible with heavy snow and icy roads. The carers had to leave their car at the bottom of our steep road and walk up in awful conditions, but they still arrived every single visit smiling and cheerful as always. Not once did they fail to come. We will never forget the dedication and kindness they showed during such a difficult time for our family.
The carers also gave me precious time to spend with my brothers whilst knowing Mum was being cared for properly. Mum always looked forward to seeing the team and so did I. Their visits brought comfort, reassurance and warmth into the house during some very hard days.
On the day Mum passed away peacefully at home, the carers looked after her with such compassion. Mum looked peaceful, and before they left, we were each given knitted hearts, with one placed into Mum’s hand. I still keep mine beside my bed to this day and it continues to bring me comfort.”
A lasting impact
Although losing Hazel was heartbreaking for the family, the kindness and compassion shown by Dr Kershaw’s Hospice during her final weeks left a lasting impression on them all. Wanting to give something back in recognition of the support they received, Hazel’s family later donated furniture to the Hospice’s Furniture Hub, where the items were sold to help support other families needing Hospice care.
The family also chose to request donations to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice instead of flowers at Hazel’s funeral, something they felt was a meaningful way to honour her memory whilst supporting the care of others.
Reflecting on the support their family received, Trish said: “I will never be able to thank the team enough for everything they did for Mum and for all of us. The Caring Hands Team are angels. Mum was treated with such care, love and dignity, and her final weeks were made so much easier because of the kindness shown by everyone involved. We will be forever grateful.”
🩷 Because every moment matters 🩷
The Caring Hands Team are angels. Mum was treated with such care, love and dignity, and her final weeks were made so much easier because of the kindness shown by everyone involved.