Please note: we are currently experiencing significant clinical pressures, so it may take longer than usual for us to respond to your call. For an urgent response, please call the NHS 111 service, or 999 if it is an emergency.

Wellbeing

Oakhaven Hospice receives Armed Forces Covenant Award

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Oakhaven clinical team presented with Armed Forces Covenant Award

Oakhaven Hospice receives Armed Forces Covenant Award

Oakhaven Hospice is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community.

On Friday 25th September, Captain Mark Pedler RN and Commander Stephen Walton RN visited Oakhaven, their local hospice, to present trustees and members of the Oakhaven clinical team with the Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. It recognises that service life can bring unique challenges, as well as valuable skills and experience. It applies to anyone in the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and family members.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Oakhaven Trustees, Jeremy Caldwell, said: “Oakhaven is pleased to make this commitment to supporting members of our Armed Forces community. We are developing an action plan and making practical changes to our processes to better support our staff, volunteers, patients and service users who are serving, have served or are part of the Armed Forces family. Many thanks to Captain Pedler and Commander Walton for taking the time to visit Oakhaven; having two serving Royal Naval officers presenting the award made the occasion truly special.”

Commander Stephen Walton, Royal Navy, said, “Thank you very much for inviting Captain Pedler and me to present your Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award. Your commitment to supporting serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families has been rightly recognised, and it was a privilege to be able to present it in person.

“Oakhaven Hospice is clearly an extraordinary place, providing free care and support to so many families across the New Forest and beyond. We were honoured to visit, to see your exceptional facilities and learn more about the many ways you support the local community. May I wish you and the team all the best for the future.”

Oakhaven Hospice cares for patients and their loved ones across a catchment area of 150,000 adults in the New Forest, Totton and the Waterside. At any time, the specialist team is supporting over 600 people, in the hospice and at home. All hospice care is provided free of charge, however only 14% of costs are covered by the NHS/government. For the remainder, the charity relies on the generosity of its community’s donations, fundraising and gifts in wills, along with income from its shops and home care provider, Oakhaven Care.

There are many ways you could support Oakhaven Hospice - click here to find out more.

Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

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Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

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World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21st September

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Alzheimer's

On Monday 21st September it is World Alzheimer's Day

September marks World Alzheimer's Month, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with dementia diagnosis. A key date within the campaign is World Alzheimer's Day on 21st September.

Admiral Nurses play a vital role in supporting people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their families and carers. Here at Oakhaven, our Admiral Nurse is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Janet Toomer. Janet provides expert guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to Oakhaven patients, and helps families navigate complex challenges, as well as providing education and community outreach.

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st September, Janet will be providing professional education and promoting Alzheimer’s awareness. These initiatives help improve understanding of dementia and encourage earlier access to support by fostering a more dementia-inclusive community.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Key Facts

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. It is caused by changes within the brain, including the build-up of abnormal proteins, leading to damage and loss of brain cells over time.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of dementia cases.

It is not a normal part of ageing, although age is the greatest risk factor.

How does Alzheimer's fit within the umbrella term "Dementia"?

Dementia is an umbrella term, used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect cognitive functioning.

Dementia is not a disease itself, but a syndrome caused by various underlying diseases.

Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia.

Alzheimer's: early stage

  • Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events
  • Repeating questions or stories
  • Misplacing items
  • Problems finding the right words
  • Mild confusion or disorientation
  • Difficulty planning or organising tasks

Alzheimer's: middle stage

  • Increasing memory loss
  • Forgetting names of familiar people or places
  • Difficulty managing finances or medications
  • Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour.
  • Increased anxiety, agitation, or frustration
  • Difficulty with personal care and daily activities
  • Becoming lost in familiar surroundings

Alzheimer's: later stage

  • Severe memory impairment
  • Reduced ability to communicate verbally
  • Difficulty recognising loved ones
  • Increased frailty and reduced mobility
  • Problems swallowing and eating
  • Dependence on others for all aspects of care
  • Increased vulnerability to infections and physical health complications

Behavioural and psychological symptoms that may occur

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Apathy or loss of motivation
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Hallucinations or delusions (less common than in some other dementias)
  • Changes in social behaviour or judgement

Impact on families

  • Progressive changes often lead to increasing caregiving responsibilities
  • Families may experience emotional distress, uncertainty, grief, and fatigue
  • Education, specialist support, and future care planning can help families adapt as the condition progresses

The role of the Admiral Nurse

Admiral nurses provide specialist dementia expertise and support to families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Our Admiral Nurse, Janet:

  • Helps carers understand symptoms and behavioural changes
  • Offers practical strategies to manage challenges at home
  • Supports advance care planning and decision-making
  • Provides emotional support throughout the dementia journey
  • Signposts families to relevant services, benefits, and community resources

For people who are caring for someone with an illness such as dementia, it can be a very worrying time. There are support networks that can help you understand what the person you are caring for is experiencing and give practical advice for yourself.

If you are caring for someone, click here for further guidance, which includes signposting related to dementia.

Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

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Wear Green for Oakhaven!

Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

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Over half of UK adults don’t have a will – are you one of them?

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Last Will and Testament

Over half of UK adults don’t have a will - are you one of them?

Research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) shows that 53% of adults aged 50-64 and 22% of those aged 65 and over do not have a will.*

Life is full of milestones: house purchases, marriage, children, divorce…to ensure that your wishes remain current, your will should be updated. If you die without a will (intestate), your estate is distributed according to strict government rules, which may not align with your actual wishes.

Having an up-to-date will ensures that your wishes are met after your death. You can look after loved ones and support the causes about which you care most. What’s more, leaving a gift in your will can be a highly tax-efficient way of giving to charity and supporting your community.

This September, Oakhaven Hospice has teamed up with local solicitors and will writers who have generously agreed to donate their time and expertise for free to help you make or update your will, encouraging donations to Oakhaven.

How to take part in Oakhaven’s Write a Will Month from Monday 17th August:

Step 1: Visit www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/write-a-will, where you will find the details of participating solicitors and estate planners

Step 2: Book an appointment between 17 August and 30 September to take place by 31st October 2026. Each firm has a limited number of appointments. Check before making the appointment if there are any specific criteria.

Step 3: Donate to Oakhaven Hospice (click here) on the website page above or by phoning 01590 677773.

Step 4: Take your email confirmation to your appointment.

Laura Eastwood, Oakhaven Hospice’s Director of Fundraising, said, “Write a Will Month is a great opportunity to make or change your will and support Oakhaven, as local solicitors generously support Oakhaven by waiving their fees to encourage donations to Oakhaven.

Every donation helps our specialist teams to provide end-of-life care free of charge to patients and their loved ones. Right now, we are caring for over 650 patients at any time, in the hospice and in patients’ homes throughout the New Forest, Totton and Waterside - and demand is growing. Your Write a Will Month donations will make a real difference and help you to keep your will and wishes up to date.”

Click here for more information and to make a donation, contact 01590 677773 or fundraising@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

*maps.org.uk, 27 January 2025

Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

Find out more

Wear Green for Oakhaven!

Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

Find out more

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Cookery classes

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People doing the cookery course at Oakhaven

Navigating bereavement? Join our cookery course!

Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement?

If you find yourself having to prepare meals for the first time, our six-week course teaches the basic skills of preparing vegetables, meat and fish to produce nutritious meals. Increase your motivation to cook and learn valuable cooking skills and techniques alongside others in the same situation. Places are limited, booking is essential.

There are only 6 places on the course and we will hold a waiting list for future courses.

Book your space today!

Please email Lee Rand at wellbeing@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

Find out more

Wear Green for Oakhaven!

Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

Find out more

Managing Insomnia Workshop

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Lady in bed with insomnia

Join our workshop to help manage your insomnia

Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement?

Are you beyond tired? Struggling to think clearly or sleeping poorly?

Join us at the Coates Centre on Tuesday 27th October from 1.45-4.45pm to learn the No1 prescribed evidence-based treatment based on CBT-I and how the limbic system influences sleep. Explore natural remedies and relaxation techniques for deeper rest, renewed energy and improved wellbeing

Spaces limited, booking essential. Cost £20 per person.

Book your space today using the form below.

Alternatively, please telephone Lee Rand on 01590 613025 or email wellbeing@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

Find out more

Wear Green for Oakhaven!

Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

Find out more

New ways for Oakhaven to generate funds

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Oakhaven Kitchen, Oakhaven Drive, Oakhaven Therapy

New ways for Oakhaven to generate funds

Oakhaven Hospice is exploring a range of paid services that will generate new sources of income to help cover the growing costs of its hospice care.

Oakhaven works within an increasingly challenging environment of continually growing demand and costs, with ever-increasing competition from an income generating perspective. 

At any time, Oakhaven is caring for over 500 referred patients, plus their families. Our hospice care is provided free of charge, yet just a small proportion of our day-to-day running costs are covered by the government - currently 11%. 

We are hugely grateful for the support shown by our local community but equally recognise that there is insufficient government funding for hospice and end of life care. Hospice care is the only sector where the NHS does not fund your clinical needs and instead you are reliant on the generosity of others. 

Our mission is to continue to provide high-quality hospice care free of charge for all who need it in our catchment area, meeting the end of life needs of our community, now and in the future. To do this, we need to find new ways to generate income that will help to cover our increasing costs. 

Social enterprise income

In 2014, Oakhaven took the decision to run a separate home care service as a wholly-owned social enterprise. Oakhaven Care Ltd is a separate business entity, providing a first-class service to paying clients - and every year donates 100% of any profits its makes to Oakhaven Hospice. As Oakhaven Care has grown, the income stream that it generates for the Hospice has become increasingly important. Last year it reached the milestone of donating a cumulative £1 million, now contributing a significant amount each year.

In our 2025-2030 strategy, one of our strategic priorities is to work towards financial sustainability. We are therefore investigating the viability of other social enterprises that could generate income for the Hospice. This concept was discussed and very positively received at our community engagement meetings across our catchment area in September 2024. 

Currently we are planning three new social enterprises: Oakhaven Kitchen, Oakhaven Drive and Oakhaven Therapy. For all, 100% of any profits made will be donated to Oakhaven Hospice as new income streams. 

Find out about Oakhaven Kitchen
Find out about Oakhaven Drive
Find out about Oakhaven Therapy

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Help hospice care live on

Leave a gift in your will and help protect hospice care for all, for now, forever.

Find out more

Volunteer for Oakhaven!

We welcome new volunteers in every department - get in touch to find out more!

Find out more

Wear Green for Oakhaven!

Help us raise funds on Friday 23rd October, by wearing green and making a donation.

Find out more

Make a donation