At-home care for terminally ill
Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008 12:11
People with terminal illnesses should be supported to die at home, charities say
Charities are calling for end-of-life care for terminally ill people to be available in their homes.
Although all people are entitled to free palliative care (pain and symptom management), Marie Curie Cancer Care says inequitable services across the UK mean adequate end-of-life care is not always available.
The charity is one of a number of organisations who have urged the government to ensure that people are able to choose where they die under the terms of its forthcoming end-of-life care strategy.
A survey conducted by Marie Curie Cancer Care revealed that there is a lack of understanding about the care options available for people with terminal illnesses.
The poll also unveiled concerns about the quality of end-of-life care.
It 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.
Actor Hugh Grant, whose mother was cared for by a Marie Curie nurse and is supporting the calls for universal end-of-life care at home, 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."
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.
