Woman teams up with Ayrshire charity to launch Sandy's Toolbox
Helen Wilson wants to provide resources and equipment for people caring for loved ones during their final days
An Ayrshire woman has created an initiative to help families care for their loved ones at home during their final days.
Helen Wilson is working with the charity No One Dies Alone Ayrshire to provide toolboxes full of resources and equipment for palliative care, after she and her sister struggled with their dad Sandy’s end of life care at home.
Helen has named the project Sandy’s Toolbox in his memory.
Helen said: “My dad had been very poorly on and off since July 2021.I took some time out from work to go and support my sister Sally to look after his failing health.
“Dad was in and out of the hospital and after talking it through with my family I decided to take a break from work and go down and look after dad who lived in Dundonald.
“I was living 200 miles away in Portree in Skye. I arrived in Dundonald on Christmas eve.
“Dad had been in the hospital at the point for five weeks. We got him home on December 28th 2021
Family 'torn' over helping Sandy spend final days at home
“He made the decision that he didn't want to go back to hospital any more. He wished his final days to be in the comfort if his own home .The family respected this decision even though our hearts were torn over this.
“Dads health deteriorated over the coming weeks . We were looking at end of life care for dad. Unfortunately dads health deteriorated rapidly. Sandy would only survive four more weeks.
“This was a very stressful and emotion time for the family. We really struggled to get all the resources we needed to cater for his personal care. These products we had to source ourselves. This got me thinking that more people would be in the same situation as ourselves. We are looking to fill in this important gap for family's dealing with end-of-life care at home.
"The response was incredible"
“We approached NODA (Ayrshire) -"No One Dies Alone Ayrshire" and the response from them was incredible. With their help Sandy's Toolbox came alive.
The purpose is to provide palliative care boxes. These boxes will be filled with personal care products to support loved ones that have chosen palliative care at home.
No One Dies Alone Ayrshire provides volunteer companions who give their time to sit with people who are dying in their final hours, providing a listening ear to anyone who needs support to ensure no-one is left feeling alone or isolated.