Karens's Homes from Home
The importance of family support during a period of illness is well recognised; what is not so often appreciated is that a strong bond between patient and family can be a crucial factor in the success of a treatment. Not only does the patient benefit - the family also needs emotional support. Unfortunately, due to a lack of affordable, appropriate accommodation, patients and their families cannot always share a physical and emotional closeness during periods of extended hospital treatment.
The first Karen's Home from Home opened at Hammersmith Hospital in January 2007
The Home provides three self-contained flatlets where families can relax in a comfortable, welcoming and private environment for as long as necessary while being in very close proximity to their loved one; it is also a valued bolt hole for the patient to escape the hospital environment and 'cabin fever', albeit sometimes for only a few hours.
After the opening reception, one of the guests wrote:
"Many congratulations on the flats!These words sum up all that the KMMT is trying to achieve.
I had a wander down the corridor whilst reminiscing about some of the happy times spent with you and Karen and the 'fan club' at the hospital. Listening to laughter coming from one of the occupied KMMT flats was magic.
It reminded me of how, even in a desperately difficult time, you can have a special moment of fun and happiness. With these flats you have created an environment where families can share these times and forget, just for a moment, the bad bits."
More Karen's Homes from Home
The KMMT is now in advanced discussions to open two more Karen's Homes from Home for leukaemia patients and their families in two leading haematology departments.