We are often asked about Hamersley House, how it will operate, what end of life care involves - and many other questions. We hope this FAQs page will help but, should you need further information, we would be pleased to hear from you. Do contact us - details are on our Contact Us page.

How will Hamersley House (HH) differ from a hospice?

Hospices provide holistic, rehabilitative and specialist end of life care services, both within the hospice itself and in community settings. The average stay in a hospice in order to stabilise/rehabilitate is likely to be short-term so that the individual can return to their home environment. Hospice services are free of charge and offered to members of the community who reside within that county.

Hamersley House, End of Life Care Centre will be providing an alternative choice for a different set of needs within the community and will be offering short to long-term end of life care and support and respite care on a not-for-profit, fee-paying and subsidised basis to residents from the local community and nationwide for as long as their needs require. The aim is to provide a safe haven and for Hamersley House to become their home. This will include those with cancer as well as other terminal illnesses.

How will HH differ from a care/nursing home?

Nursing and residential care homes provide care mainly for elderly, frail members of the community.

Hamersley House will specialise in the provision of end of life care for people of all adult ages with a life-limiting illness and who no longer respond to curative treatment.

Will HH provide for respite and day care?

Facilities will be made available to those needing respite and day care, irrespective of where they live.

Will there be overnight facilities for relatives?

We will provide facilities that support relatives and day visitors needing overnight accommodation.

What will be the criteria for becoming a resident at HH?

HH will be open to those individuals referred by social and medical Practitioners.

Why are we setting it up?

We have identified that there is a need both for longer-term end of life care as well as respite care. The nearest hospices are at Yeovil and Taunton. Whilst the hospice movement provides a valuable service in enabling people to go back to their home, there are those...

who do not wish to be at home because they feel alone and isolated.

whose accommodation is too small for a live-in carer or is unsuitable for practical adaptation for home care.

who are independent and do not wish to put undue strain on or make any demands of relatives.

who want stress-free time from the cares and concerns of daily living in order to spend quality time with their visiting family and friends.

who would choose to finance their own care during the end stage of their life.

All the above would have the effect of helping to alleviate some of the financial strain on the NHS.

Will HH have shareholders?

HH will be a not-for-profit organisation. Any surplus of revenue over expenditure will be ploughed back into the facilities and services we offer, thereby enhancing the residents’ quality of life.

What type of building will it be?

The Trustees are at present finalising a schedule of the ‘clients’ requirements’ for a building. This has enabled some concept sketches to be prepared which show a building which is partly two storey, which will meet all clinical guidelines. The landscaped setting will be a very important part of the design.

How will the nursing staff be structured?

HH will be staffed by registered nurses qualified in end of life care, who will be supported by appropriately qualified staff, all of whom will contribute to the wellbeing of the residents.

Who are the architects going to be?

No firm has been appointed as yet. Architects will be interviewed and appointed once outline planning permission has been granted. The design of the building can then commence based on the client’s brief and a specific site.

Is the Steering Committee being paid?

No. As a Board of Trustees, members are giving their time and expertise voluntarily with out-of- pocket expenses only being paid.

Is there any existing centre in the country providing similar services?

Hamersley House End of Life Care Centre will, we believe, be the first of its kind.

What is meant by complementary care?

It is integrated care of the body, mind and spirit with attention paid to a person’s lifestyle and the environment in which they live. It is an holistic approach to health and wellbeing for which there will be access to a wide range of gentle, healing therapies with emphasis placed on breathing techniques, relaxation and natural healing.

Will HH wish to expand its services?

This will depend on demand and the capability of HH to respond.

What is integrated healthcare?

It is healthcare which combines the best of all medicines, both conventional and complementary, together with the healing arts and sciences.

What is meant by complementary care?

Will HH have a religious foundation?

We are not affiliated with any religion but would facilitate access to organisations as required. This means that we would enable residents to have contact with representatives of any preferred religion and denomination, or non-religious/humanist group according to their wishes.

Will individual dietary requirements be catered for at HH?

Good nutrition will be a priority for residents in HH and therefore our objective is to provide an exceptionally high standard of cuisine using locally-sourced and organic produce wherever possible. Meals will be prepared to satisfy individual requirements and special dietary needs where necessary.