For Dayal Jassal and his family, Birmingham Hospice was able to provide the peace and comfort they needed to say goodbye to their wonderful mother at the end of her life.
Much-loved Satya Devi was diagnosed with a brain tumour in April of this year, which left the family in shock.
Satya was part of a generation who emigrated from India to forge new lives in Birmingham in the late 1960s with her parents, aged 17.
After living initially in Alum Rock, she later moved to Aston and together with husband, Sarwan Ram, put down roots in the city and raised five children, including Dayal, the youngest.
Smart and determined, Satya resolutely juggled the pressures of a busy household while her husband worked long days.
“Mom was the heart of the family binding us all together,” said Dayal.
“She was a family person but very determined and strong-willed as well. Mom was able to manage the household and bring the love.”
child, Dayal Jassal.
Satya had been looking forward to a fresh start in 2024 after moving to Sutton Coldfield to be closer to family, following a period when she had cared for her elderly mother, who passed away aged 96.
But when she experienced confusion she was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered her illness.
Dayal said: “We didn’t see it coming; she was the healthiest out of my mum and dad and hadn’t had any medical issues up until then.
“Mom was so sharp and on the ball. When she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and changed as a person almost overnight it was a big shock.”
The condition prompted loved ones to investigate palliative care, with several friends recommending the hospice.
When she was admitted to hospital at the end of July, the family knew their mother needed to be in a peaceful environment to ensure she received dignity and care in her final days and organised a move to our Inpatient Unit (IPU).
“It was a relief for mom to go into the hospice,” he said.
“Once we arrived, we knew she would have more dignity and space. Everyone was so caring – as soon as we walked in it felt like a different environment. It felt right and a peaceful place for mom to be.
“Mum was not able to voice it, but we noticed a massive difference even on the first day. Sometimes she would move her hand up and it meant so much because while she wasn’t able to say it, she knew she was in a better place.”
Caring hospice staff ensured Satya was comfortable, clean and bathed. While she was unable to communicate or open her eyes, she responded to sounds so the hospice provided equipment which allowed the family to play her favourite music and special Sikh Paath prayers.
Loved ones were able to stay overnight and the family were given time and space to say goodbye before she died peacefully aged 73 on August 12.
“Any expectations people may have, the people at Birmingham Hospice go beyond it,” explained Dayal.
“They helped us so much and the hospice will always be a part of me. They gave mom dignity and peace and the opportunity to say goodbye properly. We were able to do it our way because of the hospice.”
Dayal is still attending weekly sessions with a hospice counsellor, who is guiding him through this difficult moment.
He said: “Sometimes you need a neutral and professional perspective, and the counselling team are brilliant at what they do. While it’s hard, I look forward to the sessions because it’s a chance to reassess and find a path to move in a different direction.”
Birmingham Hospice provides one-to-one counselling, which you can learn more about by visiting the adult bereavement support service section on our website.
