Christmas respite visit
Our family has been visiting Naomi House since January 2007. Our son Blake, who is six, has a number of conditions that mean he needs constant care. That puts a lot of pressure on our family life, and at times we end up exhausted! Naomi House has given us a life-line, we come to stay for respite several times each year and every time we leave feeling re-energised and ready to pick up the routines that help to make Blake as comfortable as possible. That can be tough on our other children Reuben, Isaac and Jessica.
This year we were Christmas visitors at the hospice, arriving a few days before Christmas Day and leaving a couple of days after the festivities were over. The whole family were very excited about our Christmas respite, and sharing the festivities with other families.
The whole family had a wonderful time. The care team, who were on duty throughout the holiday period, were fantastic. They thought of everything, from the Santa visit on Christmas morning to a sensory story- telling session that enabled all the children to participate. Blake’s siblings enjoyed taking part in the Sibling’s Day, and all the activities that were provided. That gave David and I a rare opportunity to have five minutes to ourselves.
After a tasty Christmas lunch we took part in the games and activities the care team had planned. Christmas Pictionary got very competitive when a number of families entered teams for the game! It was just like sharing an old fashioned family Christmas. We all felt so relaxed in the friendly environment at the hospice.
Naomi House made an indescribable difference to our family this Christmas. Being at the hospice gave us all chance to enjoy the Christmas celebrations. Our Christmas respite visit meant that we could give the whole family more attention over the festive period. It gave us time to enjoy being a family, something that we value a great deal.
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