Family Finds Compassionate Support at Moya Cole Hospice During Challenging Times
When individuals face progressive life-limiting conditions, comprehensive support becomes essential for both patients and their families. Rob Whittaker was referred to Moya Cole Hospice nearly two years ago for holistic palliative care assistance, managing a rare irreversible progressive neurological disorder known as PSP alongside dementia. For Rob and his family, this journey felt like navigating uncharted waters, but the hospice provided crucial guidance.
Personalized Care and Symptom Management
Jayne Whittaker, Rob's wife, explained that hospitals reached a point where they could no longer offer further treatment for her husband. "They referred us to the care of Dr. Waterman and Moya Cole Hospice because from that point it was about managing his symptoms and providing care for him," she said. The hospice's approach focused on personalized symptom control for Rob while offering reassurance to Jayne and their daughters, Amy and Katy.
One significant aspect was maintaining the family's wishes for Rob to remain at home throughout his final eighteen months. "If I hadn't been coming here, I don't think we would have been able to keep him at home," Jayne emphasized. Dr. Waterman's support gave her the confidence to make difficult care decisions without guilt, such as allowing Rob more time in bed during mornings.
Navigating Progressive Neurological Symptoms
Rob's condition, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy combined with dementia, profoundly affected his personality, behavior, and language abilities. Initially walking with a stick after moving into a flat three years ago, he became wheelchair-dependent and required hoisting assistance over the last twelve months. Amy described how the disease progressed rapidly, starting with pins and needles in his feet that led to frequent tripping and falling.
"It was like the cogs just slowed down," Amy recalled. "You could see him trying to work, trying to tell his foot to move whenever we would ask him to lift his feet up to his wheelchair footplates." Eventually, Rob lost his speech and swallowing abilities, with his eyes becoming fixed due to muscle control issues from the neurological disease.
Creating Positive Experiences Amidst Difficulty
The hospice transformed what could have been traumatic medical visits into positive family experiences. "I don't think Rob ever saw the trauma of coming here," Jayne noted. "He never saw it as another hospital appointment. He just saw us having a bit of an afternoon out." Appointments were scheduled to accommodate all four family members, something that proved challenging during hospital visits.
This approach made monthly hospice visits something the family almost looked forward to, often combining them with lunch outings. "The hospice made a negative journey in our lives more manageable through understanding and positive care," Jayne reflected. The Whittakers eventually stopped seeing other consultants apart from Dr. Waterman, finding the hospice's comprehensive care sufficient.
Continuing Support Through Bereavement
Even after Rob's passing, the hospice maintained its supportive relationship with the family. Amy described visiting earlier in January to deliver donations from Rob's funeral, where outpatient assistant Liz spent an hour with them, discussing bereavement services and sharing memories. "She had a lovely way of speaking with us and making us feel like we were the only family she was dealing with," Amy said.
The hospice arranged a debrief session with Dr. Waterman, providing closure while leaving the door open for future support. "It felt like closure in a way and it's so nice to know that the door has been left open, even after dad has passed," Amy added. The family emphasized how the hospice created a sense of community and safe space where they never felt in the way.
Comprehensive Hospice Services
Moya Cole Hospice offers holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses through multiple service channels. Their facilities in Heald Green, Stockport and Little Hulton, Salford provide inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services. The hospice teams extend community and outreach programs, including Hospice at Home services available in Salford and Trafford.
Additional services include the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford and a homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A twenty-four-hour telephone advice line serves patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport, ensuring continuous support for those navigating life-limiting conditions.
