FAQ
I?ve just been diagnosed with cancer. How can Grove House help?
Our Canceri drop-in centre is the ideal place for an informal chat and access to information about many of the worries that accompany a diagnosis of cancer. It?s also a good starting point for referral to the range of services offered by Grove House. Just call the helpline on 01727 843401, or email us on canceri@grove-house.org.uk?
Does Grove House help people with illnesses other than cancer?
Yes. Grove House cares for people living with other progressive, life-threatening illnesses such as motor neurone disease, chronic heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses, with a prognosis of less than 12 months, and who would benefit from palliative care.
Does it matter where I live to access Grove House services?
The majority of Grove House services are for people with a GP in St Albans, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas. However, forCancer The Next Step we also accept referrals from people with GPs out of our catchment area. CANCERi, the information centre, is open to anyone, wherever they live.
Is there an age limit to access Grove House services?
No. While the majority of people with cancer tend to be over the age of 60, cancer can affect anyone at any age and we help many young adult patients e.g. Cancer the Next Step which is for younger, newly diagnosed patients and Play Therapy for pre- and post-bereaved children. Grove House supports families or carers of all ages.
Do I have to pay for Grove House services?
All services at Grove House are free of charge. Patients attending the Robert Runcie Day Hospice and Cancer the Next Step are asked for a nominal charge of £3 per day to cover the costs of lunch, art materials etc.
Do you look after patients at home?
All Grove House services aim to support patients to live at home. Grove House at Home provides Befriending, Home Sitting, Complementary Therapy and Occupational Therapy for patients and carers who may be unable to leave their home.
Hospice at Home is a new Grove House 24-hour service which is being developed for patients who have specialist palliative/complex nursing needs and wish to remain at home. At present, it is currently available to six GP surgeries (The Lodge, The Maltings and Parkbury House in St. Albans and The Elms, The Village and Davenport House in Harpenden), and is available 24 hours a day.
How do I get referred to Grove House?
Your GP, Macmillan Nurse, District Nurse or any other healthcare professional can refer you to Grove House. You can also refer yourself or be referred by a friend or family member by contacting Grove House.
How much choice do I get in what care I receive?
Any care offered will be fully discussed with you and we will support you in the choices you make. You will be in full control of any care you receive, and your GP will be kept informed.
How long can I receive care and support from Grove House?
There is no maximum or minimum period of time you can receive care at Grove House. We assess a patient?s needs and offer an appropriate period of support. At the end of the planned period of care the patient?s situation is reviewed, and use of Grove House services can be extended if necessary. The aim is to facilitate independence, but patients can always return if the need arises.
How can Grove House help carers and families?
Grove House supports carers, families and friends of patients with cancer or any other life-threatening illness. Counselling, complementary therapies, information and support are all available.
Do you have information I can take away and read?
The CANCERi service at Grove House provides information and support to anyone affected by or concerned about cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. A fully trained member of the voluntary team or CANCERi staff can give practical guidance on anything from benefits information to advice about hair-loss following chemotherapy. You don?t need an appointment ? you can drop in between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or call 01727 843401.
How is Grove House funded?
As a registered charity, Grove House needs to raise the vast majority of its income from various forms of fundraising, including events, voluntary donations and grants from funding bodies and charitable trusts. Only around 20% of the total required comes from the local Primary Care Trust (NHS).
What can I do to help Grove House?
You can help Grove House by giving your time as a volunteer or by donating or raising money. For more information about fundraising and how you can help, please see Fundraising.