Contents
Hospices provide care for terminally ill people and give support to their carers at the hospice and in their own homes. These services tend to be free of charge.
St Raphael's, in North Cheam, supports adults nearing the end of life in Merton. It offers the following services for no charge:
- skilled medical care provided by palliative care doctors and nurses
- care at home – the majority takes place there
- hospice care – it has 14 in-patient beds, with capacity for family overnight stays
- a day centre providing social and creative activities, such as yoga and crafts
- treatments, including complementary therapies
- benefits advice
- support for friends, family and children
- spiritual support
- respite care
- counselling and bereavement support
The hospice also runs a scheme called Compassionate Neighbours which aims to reduce loneliness and isolation for those approaching the end of their life. A skilled volunteer is matched with you and can provide emotional and social support.
Contact details
Email: enquiries@straphaels.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8099 7777
St Raphael’s Hospice
London Road
North Cheam
Sutton
SM3 9DX
Private care homes
Some private care homes also specialise in the care of the terminally ill. Your doctor or hospital consultant should be able to give you more information.
If you decide to receive end of life care at home, in a care home of in a hospice you should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare - this is free of charge to the person receiving the care.
Children's hospices
There are several hospices for children across London and the south-east, including: Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in Twickenham, south west London and Demelza Children’s Hospice in Eltham, south east London.