How the Rowans Hospice Living Well, Living Better programme has allowed David to rediscover his enjoyment in life
When David first came along he was very low in mood and was struggling to come to terms with his ill health.
It was very multi-faceted and he had many challenges which were impacting on his life.
Having heard about the Living Well Centre, he came along to find out about the support available to him.
David initially joined the Living Better, Living Well programme that we have designed and run with the Occupational Therapy team.
It’s a ‘pick ’n’ mix’ course, made up of eight weekly sessions covering everything from stress and anxiety, fatigue and sleep to non-pharmacological management of pain and different types of relaxation sessions, including mindfulness.
It is designed so people can attend all of the sessions, or choose to just attend the ones that they feel are most relevant to their needs.
Despite not being sure about coming, David has attended all of the sessions and, as he learnt a little bit more each week, he has understood how his actions could have an impact on managing what was happening to him.
With this realisation, his positivity really grew.
Since then there really has been no stopping him.
He is so positive and has such a wicked sense of humour.
Embracing all the help we have offered, David has recognised what he can do to improve things for himself and is now in a much better place psychologically.
He is seeing an enjoyment in life which, I think, he had lost before.
He is engaging in a range of activities we have on offer at the Living Well Centre – complementary therapy, drawing and chair-based exercises.
And for a man who hated exercise, his progress in the chair-based exercise classes is great.
David obviously still has his health problems and they continue to impact on his life, but he now feels empowered to exert some control over it.
He has an understanding, plus skills and strategies to help him manage on a day-to-day basis.
It is rewarding and humbling to witness his progress.