The Ayrshire Hospice Physiotherapy team has been busy trialing Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) with our inpatients and community patients for pain management and functional independence, and the results have been truly encouraging. Managing patient pain
Some of you may be aware of the use of these machines during labour and some of you may have purchased one yourselves. This small, non-invasive device delivers gentle electrical pulses that can
“I’ve been able to watch a film all the way through without the need for extra painkillers.” “My husband and I have been for long walks on the beach now that I’m using TENS. I couldn’t do without it.” It’s a simple idea that makes a real difference – and with a donation of just £25, you could provide a specialist TENS unit and help bring relief, confidence, and a little extra freedom to someone who really needs it.
help ease pain, often reducing the need for medication.
One of the greatest privileges of the Respite & Response (R&R) team is the time we are able to spend with patients and their families in their own homes - getting to know them, understanding what matters most to them, and supporting the memories they wish to create. These moments often go far beyond care tasks. They are about connection, compassion, and making space for reflection and joy, even during difficult times. We recently had the pleasure of supporting Lyn as she created her Orient Express photo album. With gentle support from the R&R team, Lyn chose the photographs she wanted to include and shared her memories and experiences as the album came together. The process sparked conversation, laughter, and reflection, turning photographs into a meaningful story of a very special experience. Lyn described this as one of the best things she had ever done and shared that, if she were well enough, she would happily do it all again. Knowing that the experience also supported the Ayrshire Hospice made it even more meaningful to her. This is just one example of how the R&R team helps patients create lasting memories - providing time, presence, and person-led care where it matters most: at home and in the heart of the community. Making Memories in the Community Respite & Response Team
And even better, patients can use TENS themselves, giving them a welcome sense of independence and control over their comfort.
The Ayrshire Hospice team has joined forces with Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) to offer guided trishaw trips around the surrounding area of the hospice to our patients and relatives. Cycling Without Age Scotland is part of the global Cycling Without Age movement, dedicated to enriching the lives with limited mobility. Through free trishaw rides, the three-wheeled bicycles piloted by trained volunteers allows passengers to enjoy the outdoors, share stories, and spend time with friends and family. The Ayr branch, launched in late 2023 after the success of neighbouring chapters in Girvan and Prestwick, has quickly grown to provide weekly rides for residents in A new way to enjoy the great outdoors
Ayr, supported by a team of 20 dedicated volunteers. All the rides are offered free of charge and available to our patients and their families.
Email livingwell@ayrshirehospice.org to find out more.
September 2026 | EDITION 42
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