Ashley Grant, diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, Glioblastoma, was admitted to St. Wilfred’s Hospice on 21st August 2025. His partner was at a crisis point, struggling to manage his care at home, and required support for her own wellbeing. Ashley’s priority was to return home safely, and our role was to support him and his family through this transition, ensuring the right level of care was in place.
Supporting Ashley in the Hospice
During Ashley’s stay at the hospice, our team provided direct support, working closely with the hospice staff. This included collaboration with nurses, occupational therapists, and the discharge team to assess his complex needs. Ashley’s condition meant he could become anxious and occasionally display aggressive behaviours, making careful planning and skilled care essential.
Collaborative Care Planning
On 12th September 2025, a Best Interests Meeting was held at the hospice, involving the hospice nursing team, discharge team, Ashley’s family and partner, and our care agency. This collaborative approach ensured all perspectives were considered in planning his care. It was agreed that a 2:1 care package, combining live-in and visiting care, would best meet Ashley’s needs and support his partner.
Planning and Implementing the Care Package
Following the meeting, we had a one-week timeframe to conduct assessments, match appropriate carers, and provide the family with a detailed overview of costs and financial implications. This required close collaboration between our care coordination team, the family, and the hospice team to ensure a seamless transition. Key steps included:
- Matching carers with the skills and experience required to manage Ashley’s complex needs and occasional aggressive behaviours.
- Coordinating live-in care to commence immediately upon Ashley’s return home.
- Scheduling visiting care to begin the following day, providing continuity of support.
- Communicating transparently with the family regarding financial implications, ensuring they were fully informed.
Ashley was discharged from the hospice and returned home on 18th September 2025. Live-in care started the same day, with visiting care beginning the following day. The live in carer started at the hospice to support Ashely with his journey home.
Ongoing Support and Funding
To support the sustainability of Ashley’s care, we initiated a Continuing Health Care (CHC) funding assessment, recognising his moderate to high care needs. The assessment on 23rd September 2025 aimed to provide funding support, ensuring the package could meet Ashley’s needs safely at home while supporting his partner.
Reflection
Ashley’s journey home from the hospice demonstrates the importance of partnership, collaboration, and person-centred planning. By working closely with the hospice team, family, and our care agency, we were able to create a safe, effective care package that allowed Ashley to remain at home. The combination of live-in and visiting care not only ensured his safety and dignity but also provided essential support for his partner during a challenging time.
