Nikki and Marie cared for their loved ones at the end of their life. In this video they tell us how making this time as comfortable as possible is one of the most important things a carer can do.
Marie tells us her story
“My brother, Dave, was diagnosed with a melanoma on his ear in 2007. His cancer went into remission following treatment, but sadly it returned. In July 2013 he was told he had just 6 to 9 months to live. Dave made it clear he wanted to die at home and his desire remained right until the end.
The family and I assumed we would be able to make this happen, but I don’t think we knew how difficult it was going to be. Getting the right social care support at home was tough. None of us are professional carers and nobody told us how we should do things. It put a lot of stress on the family at a very difficult time.
Sadly, our experience isn’t unique. Too many people don’t receive good quality care that meets their individual needs and wishes. Macmillan’s latest research found that almost half (44%) of those living with terminal cancer have no support beyond friends and family – and this is despite the fact that more than 84% of these people could, and should, qualify for formal social care support. This is unacceptable.”
What needs to change.....
“I believe it is vital people are supported at the end of their life. The Government needs to do more to improve end-of-life care so everyone can live and die in the place and manner of their choosing. That’s what really mattered to Dave.
I want to make sure the Government honours its manifesto commitment to end of life care. So Nikki and I have written a letter to the Chancellor, George Osborne, urgently asking him to keep those promises and commit to funding improvements to end of life care. Please read our letter and sign with me in support today.”
Caring for someone at the end of their life is a privilege. Being able to fulfil a loved one’s wishes to die at home is so important. But too often it is challenging to access the right support and for many this choice just isn’t available. This urgently needs to change.
Find out more about Macmillan’s ‘End of Life. Not End of Choice.’ campaign
