In need of some clarity

marilenad27 7 years ago

1 reply

Hello everyone I need your help.

Mum has terminal pancreatic cancer. Treatment didn't work so she has been handed to the palliative care team at the hospital, where she has been since falling ill post chemo. She has weeks to 3 months tops to live.

The hospital team is pushing a nursing home which doesn't seem right to me. Is it not better to go as an in patient to the hospice? I understand these are not long term solutions but she only has a couple of months to live and a hospice to me seems much better than a nursing home.

I have asked this question to the palliative team and their response has been that if mum goes to the hospice as an in patient, they will probably discharge her if she is stable. So she can truly be admitted there if in her last few weeks.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thank you

Marilena

Support 7 years ago

Hi Marilena,

I am sorry to read about your mum’s diagnosis and that she is now receiving palliative care. It’s great that you have been asking questions to clarify your understanding of the information you are being provided with. In general patients are either admitted to a hospice on a short term basis when their condition needs to be stabilised or for end of life care .End of life care is generally regarded to be the last few weeks of life; if the palliative care team are aware of your mum’s wishes they will keep this request in mind. Referral criteria may vary from area to area and hospice to hospice.

If you would like to read more about care options you can find information here.  If you would like to discuss this with one of the Support Line Officers please contact us on our Free phone Support Line on 0800 090 2309, or drop us a line via Web Chat: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help 

Best Wishes

Brigette

(Marie Curie Support Line)