Elsie’s husband, Michael was comforted by the dignified care that Elsie received from the Hospice before she sadly passed away in the place of her choice, their own home.
Elsie was treated with such care and dignity
Known for her kindness and compassion, former primary school teacher Elsie Lawson dedicated her life to helping others. Our Hospice at Home Team provided care and support to Elsie and her family in her final days to ensure that she died with dignity. Her beloved husband, Michael, shares her story…
“Elsie and I met at St Patrick’s Church in 1968. Elsie was a Brownie leader, and I played the organ on a Wednesday night. We married in 1971, before going on to have four children: two girls and two boys. Sadly, our eldest son, Dominic, died of leukaemia when he was nearly five years old.
Elsie kept herself busy with her job as a primary school teacher; she liked the infants best. My wife always put other people first. She was very involved in the life of St Herbert’s Church, and she ran the Cornerstone Day Centre project, which collects clothes and food for homeless people in Manchester.
Elsie was very house proud and didn’t even mind doing the ironing, so long as she could watch Corrie at the same time! Plus she absolutely doted on our four grandchildren.
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home nurses were wonderful. They were so professional and caring, and made sure Elsie was comfortable and had the right medication.
In 2018, Elsie began getting confused, but then just before Christmas she started to have hallucinations. In early 2019, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
We cared for Elsie at home ourselves, with help from Bridging the Gap when needed. We also got a wheelchair so we could take her out. Elsie was a wonderful patient.
On Wednesday 8th March 2023, we were told that Elsie was coming to the end of her life. It really came as a shock to us.
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at Home nurses were wonderful. They were so professional and caring, and made sure Elsie was comfortable and had the right medication.
Elsie passed away on Sunday 12th March with all of our family with her. When the Hospice at Home Team arrived, they changed Elsie from her dress to night attire and left her with a little prayer by her side and four knitted hearts.
It was a real comfort to us all that she was treated with such care and dignity. She was able to die where she wanted, surrounded by her family.”
It was a real comfort to us all that she was treated with such care and dignity. She was able to die where she wanted, surrounded by her family.