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 16 October 2008 02:23 BST

Concerns raised over at-home care for terminally ill

Tuesday, 26 Feb 2008 11:56
Terminally ill patients should be able to die at home, charity says
Although the majority of terminally ill people would rather die at home they are concerned they will not get the care they need, a new survey shows.

The poll for Marie Curie Cancer Care found that 65 per cent of people would want to be cared for at home if they were terminally ill but only 14 per cent believe this is where they will get the care they need.

Just over a third thought they would be kept comfortable and pain-free at their home.

The survey also revealed that there is a lack of understanding about the care options available for people with terminal illnesses.

Although 84 per cent said they were aware that dying at home is an option, only 18 per cent thinks this care is free.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is calling for its palliative care Delivering Choice Programme to be implemented across the UK.

It is currently being trialled in seven sites and helps more people to be supported to die at home.

"The programme gives patients what they want - to die at home - and does not cost any more, if anything it costs less," said the charity's chief executive Thomas Hughes-Hallett.

"I would hope that with such a clear-cut case for the roll out of the programme we can find a way for government to invest in end of life care and honour the wishes of those who want to spend their final days at home."

Actor Hugh Grant, whose mother was cared for by a Marie Curie nurse and is supporting the charity, added: "This is about the precious last few days, hours of someone's life.

"My own mother died of cancer and was cared for by Marie Curie nurses - she was allowed to die peacefully surrounded by her family after receiving the very best attention from those helping us to support her. Everyone should have that choice."
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