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- Eric's Story
Eric's Story
End of Life Care
Eric was a headstrong man who was not shy about telling you what he expected. Eric initially phoned the office on an expensive hospital phone line, when asked if there was a cheaper way of continuing the call he said “I don’t care about the damn cost just make sure I can get home!”
Eric had a successful career after a stint in the army, he become Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers between 1972-1988. The Company ranks fourth in the order of precedence of City Livery Companies, thereby making it one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Eric was once in the newspaper and the heading was “These are the people who are keeping London going”. Eric also attended garden parties with the Queen for 20 years in a row.
Eric was the secretary of the British Legion and Vice Chairman of Thaxted Society. Eric was also an Elder of the United Reformed Church in Thaxted, where he was the Treasurer and Secretary.
Eric was a popular, respected and well-loved man in his local community.
We treated Eric with compassion, empathy & respect in his final weeks of life. Eric was a proud man but he was also scared of what was to come. Eric had no close family members to support him or for him to confide in.
Eric required regular reassurance during the night. Right at Home Bishop's Stortford & Braintree discussed this with his carer, Margaret. We were all agreed that we wanted to make Eric’s final few weeks or months the best they could possibly be – Margaret agreed to continue being responsive to Eric during the night. Margaret set an alarm 3 times during the night to check on Eric & she often used to sit and hold his hand.
Margaret responded to Eric’s complaint that a previous company’s CareGivers had not been welcoming of his guests by going out of her way to welcome visitors, offering tea and biscuits and creating a happy home environment. Margaret and Eric shared the Catholic faith and Margaret joined Eric for communion when a priest came to visit. This was very important to Eric and created a special and deep bond.
We made sure Eric felt influential and empowered at all stages. Eric made it clear to us that he was used to getting his own way in life; that that was the type of character he was, and Right at Home ensured this was the case.
Margaret assisted Eric with all aspects of planning. This included the detailed planning for the funeral, such as the hymns & the readings. Margaret also essentially became Eric’s Personal Assistant during the final weeks, assisting with letter writing and sending and making final arrangements. Margaret wrote 30 letters for Eric.
Eric’s needs and preferences were always listened to and this enabled him to achieve his goal of getting home and living his last few weeks in a place that was familiar to him, knowing that he had the comfort and support from a CareGiver at all times and was not alone.
By the Managing Director being always available to Eric, this provided him with assurances and comfort during his final days and allowed him to settle and fully understand what was happening at all times, empowering him to always have choice and control over his final days.