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YouGov poll highlights importance of Christmas at home as Thames Hospice call for support for their Hospice at Home Team
Thames Hospice has launched its urgent ‘Home for Christmas’ Appeal against a backdrop of increasing pressure on end-of-life care services, highlighting the crucial role of its Hospice at Home team. The appeal, supported by a new YouGov poll of UK adults (commissioned by Thames Hospice), powerfully confirms the importance of being at home for Christmas.
When asked about being away from home on Christmas Eve, respondents highlighted key reasons they would miss their own space:
- Over half (51%) stated they would miss the warmth and familiarity of their surroundings if they were away from home on Christmas Eve.
- This was closely followed by 49% who would miss being surrounded by family and the peace and comfort of having their own space (also 49%).
The campaign is centred on the moving story of Sam Shute, 29, whose father, Graham, 54, was one of the many patients able to spend his final Christmas exactly where he wanted to be: at home in Binfield, thanks to Thames Hospice. “All dad wanted in the end was to spend his final Christmas at home, surrounded by family.” Said Sam.
As other community services reduce, the dedicated Hospice at Home team at Thames Hospice continue to work 24/7 to provide expert care, pain management, and emotional support directly in patients' homes.
Graham’s life was tragically cut short by bowel cancer, but thanks to Thames Hospice, Graham and his family were gifted one final, perfect festive day together at home.
Sam explains “That last Christmas sticks with me more than any. It meant everything,” said Sam. “The same cheesy decorations, the same smells coming from the kitchen. It was perfect. It was home.”
Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Executive of Thames Hospice explains;
"80% of our care is delivered directly in people’s homes. At Christmas this is even more important. Our team works tirelessly to ensure patients remain at home or get to go home, if that is their wish, helping them preserve those precious Christmas traditions, whilst surrounded by familiar surroundings, home comforts, and loved ones."
“Every nurse, every counselling session, every home visit is powered by the generosity of our community. That is why your support is so critical.”
Will you help families spend one last Christmas at home, surrounded by the people they love? Because there really is no place like home, and even more so at Christmas.