Touch is a core human need.
That’s the principle behind Bendigo Health’s Special Palliative Care and Evaluation (SPCEU) team’s efforts to provide patients and their families greater comfort during difficult times.
The unit introduced a new piece of equipment called a cuddle bed, purchased with community funds raised by the Bendigo Palliative Care Auxiliary. One of the cuddle bed's special features is that it expands from a single to double bed.
This allows families and their loved ones to experience physical closeness and comfort during a patient’s final stages of life, which can bring a sense of peace and comfort during what is often a sad and challenging time.
“Having cuddles with your children and grandchildren is a great source of comfort when you spend all your time in bed,” SPCEU nurse unit manager Melinda Linguey said.
“[Equipment like this] makes what is a very difficult time a little bit easier and more comfortable.
“This bed is now a valued and well utilised addition to the equipment in SPCEU.”
Palliative Care Auxiliary secretary Jenny, said many members of the group have had family cared for in this unit, and this is why they are passionate about providing support.
“We have appreciated the wonderful, compassionate, expert and skilled care given to our loved ones, to help them live with as much quality of life until their earthly journey came to an end.
“Members of our families have also experienced the hospice staff's care and consideration as we navigated such a raw/vulnerable season of the circle of life.”
Jenny said supporting the unit was a positive experience for the Auxiliary as well.
“To know we have helped provide for some of a person's needs as they receive palliative care, is something that helps us feel less powerless,” she said.
“It gives us the opportunity to give back to and support the excellent team at hospice so they can help make other people receiving palliative care, and their families, as comfortable as possible.
“The bed provides an experience that is not clinical, it is person and family-centred.”