Visitors, volunteers and staff at Treetops are being put in the Christmas spirit by a wealth of Christmas decorations handmade by the Day Care guests themselves.
Treetops Hospice Care, based in Risley, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Within Day Care, a team of nurses, health care assistants and volunteers provide physical, emotional and social care to people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
For creative activities support worker, Leah Blundell, Christmas is a busy time as she explains:
“Hand-made wreaths, pinecone Christmas trees, baskets with Christmas bulbs – the list is endless and we help guests make them all. It’s a lovely sight when the hospice is fully decorated as everyone has made a contribution in some way.
“We offer lots of different arts and crafts activities throughout the year for our guests to get involved with. Many of them find it a good way to relax, to try something they’ve never done before or simply keep practising a life-long skill. There really is something for everyone.”
Jean Mortimer, 78yrs and Lynn Smedley, 66yrs are just two of the Day Care guests who are regulars at the craft table.
Jean, from Bramcote, explained that craft was the first thing she came to Day Care for: “I used to have a craft shop in Sawley Marina many years ago and I loved it. You can do the activities at your own pace and do as much or as little as you want. There’s everything here and you only have to say you fancy having a go at something and it’s there.
“Coming here gives me something to look forward to – the only time I go out is when I come here. When you’re at home on your own all day it gets soul-destroying at times. I’ve not been here for about three weeks as I wasn’t well and I really missed it. There’s good company and we all get on alright. We get a good dinner too and there’s plenty to do.”
Lynn, from Long Eaton, added: “I was a craft tutor until I took too ill and Leah sometimes puts things by me to see what I think. The things we make go up in day care or you can have them yourself to take home.
“It’s a lovely place. You can talk to people and do things that you want to. I only go our twice a week and the difference between being on your own at home and coming here is fantastic.”
During the last two weeks of December, Day Care guests will be entertained by a variety of volunteer performers, local choirs and soloists, and short sketches put on by the Day Care volunteers themselves.
Treetops services are provided free of charge and alongside Day Care, also offer a Support and Information service for anyone diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, Hospice at Home nurses providing care and respite during the night or day and Counselling and Therapeutic Services.
