“A place to live above all”: the Peio association brings joy and respite to patients at the end of their life in Dax

For six years, the palliative care unit at the Dax-Côte d'Argent Hospital Center has been working to improve the daily lives of patients and their families. Projects are flourishing in a department where every action counts.

P eio. At the Dax-Côte d'Argent Hospital Center, these four letters evoke many memories for staff members. In 2019, this hospital storekeeper—purveyor of chocolate treats—died in the palliative care unit. Touched by the quality of her brother's care, his sister decided to start a collection. The money was given to the ward's caregivers, who seized the opportunity to create Peio (Share, Be, Interact, Open) on July 10, 2019.

Six years later, the association supports end-of-life patients and their families, while also participating in the training of caregivers. "Our financial strength allows us to significantly improve the lives of patients and their families. Hospital budgets, on the other hand, are increasingly constrained, with restrictions," explains Alain Hervet, president of the association. Currently, Peio has more than 30 volunteers, including all members of the palliative care unit.

Thanks to the donations collected, the association was able to acquire a Snoezelen trolley, a state-of-the-art piece of equipment designed to provide patient comfort. "The goal is to promote calm during moments of anxiety, without necessarily resorting to medication. It's a moment suspended in time," says Marion Lescoute, a nursing assistant and secretary of the association. The mobile trolley is equipped with a video projector, a bubble column, and various objects. "We're going to stimulate all the senses," she adds.

To continue its growth, the association is increasing its participation in various events: garage sales, sports competitions, and even the twentieth anniversary of Basket Folies. "The money raised is directly reinvested for the benefit of patients, their families, and caregivers," continues Alain Hervet. Recently, Peio funded training in cranial massage techniques for certain caregivers. Patients benefit directly from this new skill.

“We want to mark the highlights of the year with purchases or new initiatives.”

"Patients come to palliative care for specific reasons, but above all, it's a place to live. If we manage to bring a little joy and calm, it leaves a deep impression. Families are very sensitive to this kind of attention," he continues.

Sandrine Preuilh, Peio's nursing assistant and treasurer, highlights the significant commitment of volunteers. "One day, we found a taxi so that one of our patients, a former basketball player, could attend his children's game. The driver backed out at the last minute, but we found another solution. We returned at 1 a.m. It was nothing: he had been able to see his children play one last time."

The association has helped establish a true "osmosis" within the palliative care department. Projects continue to flourish on the fourth floor of the Dax-Côte d'Argent Hospital Center. "We want to mark the highlights of the year with purchases or new initiatives," says Marion Lescoute. Recently, two frescoes adorned the walls of the department. "We still have a multitude of projects in mind," says the secretary.

One of the most ambitious projects would be to be able to move out of this fourth floor. "We would like to move to the ground floor, with the possibility of creating an outdoor garden. Some patients cannot get up, but still feel the desire – and the need – to get some fresh air."

The association's next investment will be the renewal of Canal+ subscriptions in the ward's rooms. "The days are already long. So what if, on top of that, patients can't even watch their little football or rugby match anymore? These are small things, but they offer them real mental respite during their hospitalization," explains Alain Hervet. Peio's commitment is a reminder that, in the most difficult times, every little bit helps.