When Bachan Ram was diagnosed with heart failure the support from Birmingham Hospice’s Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS) team helped him fulfil his wish to stay at home.
Community Palliative Care Team (CPCT) member Rachel Wilson became almost a member of the family after regularly visiting Bachan over the last three years to give vital advice on managing his symptoms.
The devoted father of six, who emigrated to the UK from India, built a life with wife, Kamlesh Kaur, and settled in Handsworth.
Originally working in Birmingham’s steel factories, Bachan was a devoted father and husband who became a stay-at-home dad in his 30s after a heart attack and undergoing triple bypass surgery.
Throwing himself into the task, he passed on his cooking skills to them and found his practical knowhow in high demand from the community.
Daughter Anita said: “After he had his first heart attack mum worked, and dad cared for my siblings and taught us how to cook.
“Dad is a very practical and independent person; he was very good at repairing things and people were always asking for his help and advice.”
Independent and practical, he never let a prostate cancer diagnosis 20 years ago, which was managed through medication and treatment, affect him too much.
But in 2022 he was admitted to hospital following a cardiac arrest and doctors discovered he had heart failure.
Trained nurse Anita devoted her time to caring for her father, who had also contracted sepsis, with the aid of her siblings. This stressful experience made him determined to return home and he was referred to Birmingham Hospice’s Community Team.
Since then, he’s been supported by Rachel, one of the hospice’s highly trained CNS’s who provide expert help on symptom management, psychological support and advanced care planning.
Being able to stay at home allowed Bachan to spend quality time with his granddaughter, 11-year-old Ajooni, who helped with his care and has a strong bond with her grandfather.
Anita said: “Rachel is like a member of our family; dad calls her his daughter and notices when she’s not there.
“Rachel and I have a really good understanding and it’s so important to have a bond and level of trust.”
In October last year, Rachel initiated the use of a syringe driver to treat painful swellings on his feet and legs, which ensured he was able to stay in the comfort of his own home and avoid going into hospital for treatment.
“Without Rachel’s help, dad would have ended up in hospital, which he didn’t want,” added Anita.
“Dad wanted to be at home where he is most comfortable. The work Birmingham Hospice does takes huge pressure off the NHS.”
After years of support from the hospice, Anita and her family are grateful for the care they have received.
Anita concluded: “Birmingham Hospice is a godsend and means the world to us. I don’t know where we would be without Rachel’s help.
“Dad receives the dignity and respect he needs as he nears the end of his life.”
