Therapies can aid relaxation, promoting sleep, reducing anxiety and easing pain and discomfort. All treatments are offered free of charge to people receiving care from John Taylor teams.
Treatments are provided at the hospice by experienced Complementary Therapist Angela Vigus in our peaceful and comforting therapy room. There are a number of therapies available including hand and foot massage, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, reiki and reflexology.
For husband and wife Phil and Gaile Sullivan, complementary therapies have had a therapeutic effect – helping to manage Phil’s pain and enabling Gaile to relax and unwind.
Phil, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in July 2018, was referred to the service through hospice Community Nurse Specialist Sandie Robinson. “I have to admit I started out with a great deal of scepticism,” explains Phil, 76.
“But now I’ve gone full circle and regularly have massages and reiki – it’s definitely widened my horizons! The treatments help me to relax and relieve some of the discomfort I’m in. Angela has become a good friend and I always look forward to our appointments.”
Gaile, 60, cares for Phil at their home in Erdington and the couple have been married for 24 years. She also receives complementary therapies at the hospice. Gaile says: “Phil and I do everything together so the fact we can both have complementary therapy treatments is very special to us. As a carer it’s incredibly important to look after yourself too.
“If I’m not strong physically and mentally then I won’t be able to support Phil. Angela and I chat, she reassures me, I get helpful tips and I can have a back and shoulder massage. I’ve benefited so much – it gives me the boost I need to be able to cope.”
To find out more about complementary therapies please visit the Care and Support pages of our website.