Today we’re launching our new report Making the case for free social care at the end of life. As the title suggests, this report lays out our evidence for why social care services are so vital for those in the last weeks of their life.
Vikki, who helped care for her dad, Adrian, at the end of his life told us
’We really needed some support with the practical side of life. Adrian struggled with even the most basic of tasks, such as tying his shoelaces ... As a family, we really needed that extra support to give us more quality time with Adrian in his final weeks of life’.
Key findings from Macmillan’s research
Most people with cancer at the end of life would prefer to be at home, surrounded by their loved ones, when they die. But currently the majority still end up dying in expensive hospital beds.
Staff across the health service agreed introducing free social care
at the end of life would be an important factor in helping give people the opportunity to die in the place of their choice.
We brought this research together with other important evidence showing why end of life social care can play an important role in making choice a reality.
This report is a key part of our campaign on choice at the end of life. Read our report here, and keep an eye on this blog and our campaigns team on Twitter for more details about in the next few weeks.
Want to get more involved?
Losing a loved one can be extremely painful, and a difficult subject to talk about. Although it might not be easy to discuss, we're looking for people who might be willing to share their story of the end of life care their partner, family member, or loved one received. Find out more about our Macmillan focus group on our noticeboard.
Personal experiences can really help strengthen our campaign for free social care at the end of life, so please get in contact if you’d like to tell us your story.
Get Support
Visit our website for more information and support on end of life care.
If you want to talk to someone about you, or a loved one’s cancer, contact our Macmillan Support line on 0808 808 00 00. It’s free from any UK landline and open weekdays 9am-8pm
