Cost of living an extra difficulty for those with severe illnesses
Supporting people with life-limiting conditions through the cost-of-living crisis has become a significant part of Galway Hospice’s work.
Ahead of the hospice’s annual fundraiser, Sunflower Days, which take place tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, CEO of Galway Hospice, Mary Nash, said the impact of rising prices and spiralling energy bills was having a significant impact on those dealing with illness.
“We are all struggling to pay bills but those dealing with severe illness are really being put to the pin of their collar,” said Ms Nash, adding that the cost of being sick has a real impact on families across Galway.
“The care burden is particularly high in the West of Ireland, and in Galway around Connemara where you might be further from people who could support you.
“Those who are sick are really dependent on family and on their community. If a family member has to stop work to care for a loved one, they might have no income and that is really difficult in these times,” she said.
Vouchers to cover the cost of heating, groceries and other necessities are just some of the ways Galway Hospice steps in to provide support.
And that is alongside their inpatient palliative care in Renmore; their community palliative care services; and their palliative day care service.
In the past year, they have introduced music therapy, which has proven very effective, said Ms Nash, and they have countless other services including occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and art therapy.
Tomorrow and Saturday, volunteers will be out across the community selling pins, pens and other items in an effort to raise money to fund these services, the continued operation of the hospice and to add to the fund to build a new hospice.
“It’s a national fundraiser but through it, we get support from the community,” said Ms Nash.
“Every donation really does make a difference. They pay for those things like music and arts therapy – the things that differentiate hospice care from other types of care,” she continued.
All the money collected locally, by volunteers dotted at shop doors, in shopping centres and on the streets, will remain locally and go directly towards supporting Galway Hospice, said Ms Nash.
You can also donate online at sunflowerdays.togetherforhospice.ie.
Pictured: Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice.