SHERRY’S STORY
“When my husband was admitted to the Mac Unit, I had not foreseen the difference it would make to both of our lives. Tim and I were together for 46 years but when he became ill, I had to rely on other people to help care for him.
After five months of support at home and no change in the severe pain that Tim was suffering, I knew he needed specialist care away from home. Tim arrived at the Mac Unit and within four hours he was pain free, smiling and saying that he felt safe. I was completely exhausted after trying to look after him at home and the relief I felt when the Unit nurses took over was overwhelming. They treated Tim like a man, not a patient, the atmosphere at the Unit was wonderful compared to the intensity of struggling with home care and I remember meeting Penny, one of the nurses, and how incredibly easy she was to talk to about everything.
Tim had been following blogs about sailing and buying a boat was on his bucket list.
To my delight, the wonderful team at the Mac Unit arranged for him to go sailing.
It was the most wonderful day, the sea was like a millpond and the sky a beautiful blue – I will never forget the happiness in Tim’s face that day.
Tim died seven days after that trip but his last two weeks in the Unit made it easier for me to grieve for him. He had felt so relaxed and safe there, the staff were all amazing and the happy memories of the Mac Unit wiped out the horrible memories of Tim’s terrible time at home. I really wish we had admitted Tim earlier and I hope that my story will encourage others to make the decision not to delay taking their loved ones to the Unit.
I remember Tim’s death as a bright time. The Mac Unit saved my sanity and, in those final weeks, that incredible team gave me my man back”.
