Respite/hospice care

Hello catwomanruth,

Thank you for contacting us on the Online Community. I am sorry to hear that your sister is in hospital again at the moment. I can hear the suggestion for her to be sent home when unable to care for herself is feeling really worrying. I’m glad you’ve got in touch.

May I check, have you spoken to the hospital about the concerns you have regarding your sister being too unwell to manage at home on their own, or to attend the GP, catwomanruth?

Before your sister is discharged from hospital, it should be that the hospital create a discharge plan which involves discussing any necessary medical and practical care needed to go home safely. Therefore, if you haven’t done so, it’s important to make the hospital aware of your concerns, (and suggestions of hospice care, respite, and assisted living) so they can include these considerations in any support package being arranged. You can do so by either by speaking with the discharge team, ward nurse or keyworker.  

It shouldn’t be that anyone is discharged home before: they are well enough to do so, before a written discharge plan has been given, or before necessary support needed to keep them safe at home has been organised.

With you mentioning arranging palliative care specifically being a worry Catwomanruth, a referral to the local palliative care team could be made by the hospital too as part of a plan for ongoing care. Another referral which could be made, if appropriate, by the hospital is to the local / hospital social care team to assess and support with practical (such as carer’s equipment, modifications), social and financial needs.

With everything feeling difficult and worrying to navigate, It sounds like our booklet Going Home From Hospital would be helpful just now: as it contains lots of information regarding preparing for discharge as well as the professionals and support which can be involved.

It also feels important to ask, do you have support around you just now catwomanruth? Please know we are here on the Support Line as a place you can contact for emotional support and to discuss any support you need for you just now.

Our Cancer Information Nurses are also available on the Support Line if you have any general medical questions around cancer or palliative care.