Care at home?

1 minute read time.

Hi new to this so sorry if im inthe wrong place.

My mum has just been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has metastised to the brain.  The oncologist, who suggested that mum may only have weeks left here (although i have no idea how long weeks is) is not going to give any treatment apart from steroids to reduce the swelling.  She also had a major stroke 5 years ago which has left her relatively blind - only sees shadows and faces up close and a little confused - but can understand everything and has normal speach etc. She is coping well, although very tired and confused, with limited mobility.  My question is about home care. 

 My dad was given some options yesterday - she can stay where she is in hospital, she can go to a care home,or she can come home.  He said he cant get any help at home through the day from macmillan and that there would be no medical care available throught he day also - is this right? he wants to put her in a care home, which i know mum doesnt want.  We are a large family of 6 children surely between us we can sort out some care that would not leave my dad at home on his own with mum.  Are there any leaflets or anything which can give me some more information on the help available?  Dad is 80 and in good health, although very frail looking, but i know with proper help he would be fine.  I'm not sure he has all the answers and dont know who to ask for help about it. I dont want to go behind his back if he feels he really cant cope with mum coming home, but surely she has to have a say in what happens to her?  The care home suggested is a good one, but is basically an old folks home - with most of the residents having dementia/altzeimers.  Is this the best place for her?  All thoughts and suggestions welcomed.

thank you

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    You really want to start this thread on the forum.

    We nursed my mum at home from when she left hospital in September until she died in November.  We had district nurses in daily, as well as our Macmillan nurse & St Barnabas nurses coming to check on her regularly.  We were fortunate enough to be given the option of having carers in for 3 hours a day and also over night, the Marie Curie nurses who work overnight were invaluable.  Between all the professional help available and my dad, my brother, sister and myself, we were able to look after her at home, and never felt alone without help if we needed it.  Mum never admitted that she was dying, but was adamant after spending 8 weeks in hospital that she wanted to stay at home rather than in a nursing home.  It wasn't easy, but we are all pleased that we allowed mum her final few weeks with us in her own surroundings.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    hi thank you for you comments - how do i start a threas on the forum?

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Click on "Forums" on left hand side above "Blogs" and click "start a new post"

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Lone star,

    No you have posted on the right site. You have to take into consideration what your Mum wants. If you as a Family can get together and come to some arrangement about making up a Roster.To

    take turns in looking after your Mum ,it will,put her mind at ease. Knowing that she is in her own surroundings, with her loving Family around her.

    But whatever you decide. All the best.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I am sorry to hear of your Mums condition and do understand the pain and confusion you must be going through.

    The first thing to do might be talk to the Macmillan support on here - they have so much practical experience and I am sure they will be able to guide you in terms of who to seek assistance from. The number is 0808 808 0000  For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)

    I know of friends on here who have coped so well with home care with even less resources. As Sarsfield has said the first priority should be what does your Mum want ?

    At this stage it seems she is getting very little medication so maybe the question of medical support is a less important consideration right now ?

    The prognosis of 'weeks' is only a 'Best Guess' so please do not let this influence your decision too much - your Mum may have a much longer time so bear this in mind when committing to long term care.

    What ever you decide it need not be cast in stone - there may come a time when the best treatment for you Mum may involve a Care home or something similar.

    Take your time and just make sure you and your family are at ease with your Mums wishes and you feel able to cope.

    Hugs

    John xx