For 31 years Oakhaven Hospice has supported people in the New Forest, and it also offers a full range of visiting and live-in care services
In the New Forest, near Lymington in Hampshire, there is a unique facility to support people with terminal illnesses, their carers and families. Oakhaven Hospice was founded 31 years ago thanks to the vision of Phoebe and John Coates, who decided to do something to support local people. When John passed away Phoebe donated the land and funded the building costs in his memory. Since then it has expanded to provide community services and off-site care in the local area.
In 2022 Oakhaven Hospice cared for 1,394 patients and their families at the hospice and in patients’ own homes. Last year the cost of running the hospice was £8 million. Only 11% of this was covered by the NHS – the remainder must be covered by finding other sources of funding.
Patients are referred to the hospice by healthcare professionals. Today it has ten inpatient beds, while about 300 other people are cared for in their own homes by the community nursing team. Patients and their families can visit the hospice and benefit from counselling, a range of complementary therapies and physiotherapy.
In 2013 the hospice set up Oakhaven Care to provide paid-for domiciliary care for local people. It is a social enterprise, which means any profits made go to support the hospice – a unique benefit, as most other care homes pass any profits to shareholders and owners.
Oakhaven Care’s staff assist people who are elderly, disabled, recovering from an illness or injury, or simply need help to stay independent at home. Its friendly, capable and highly qualified staff provide a range of paid services, from 30-minute ‘drop-ins’ to multiple daily visits, extending to live-in or 24-hour care. A unique care plan is tailor-made for every client.
Oakhaven Care’s services include domestic help, companionship, help with transportation, support for medication, respite, convalescent and night care, support with meals, getting up, going to bed, washing and dressing – helping people to live life to the fullest.
Live-in care can be a long-term solution to your own or your loved one’s care needs, and is a great alternative to having to go into a residential care home. If you have pets, live-in care allows you to stay home with them.
More flexible than other types of care arrangements, live-in care allows you to maintain your independence while still receiving the care you need. Having a companion living with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can help you to live the life you want to lead
Those who have benefited from the support cannot speak highly enough of the service provided. ‘My husband was supported by Oakhaven Care,’ says Margaret, a New Forest resident. ‘I have an extensive nursing background, and was incredibly impressed with the professionalism, high-quality care, empathy and help they gave us. By allowing Oakhaven Care to help you or your loved ones, you are also helping to support your local hospice.’
