Practical Support - living alone.

Rosiee 3 months ago

2 replies
11 subscribers
249 views

I am a 67 year old widow recently diagnosed with incurable cancer.

I nursed my late husband through his final days of cancer and he died at home. Everything happened so quickly, in a matter of weeks, we did not have a macmillan nurse and district nurse support comprised of them popping in for a few minutes.

i know how much I had to do to care for my husband. With respect to pain relief, practical and emotional support.

What level of support can I expect from community palliative care teams?

I am very frightened of the journey ahead of me.

Katie - Macmillan 3 months ago

Hello Rosiee

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and your health too, it sounds like you have been and are going through such a lot, and, understandably, you feel frightened of the journey ahead. I am glad you have reached out to us here.

Palliative care teams can support with managing and controlling pain, symptoms and side effects, providing emotional support, support with planning ahead, practical nursing and personal care etc. The level of support they provide can vary from person to person, so it vital that there is a needs assessment to ensure that the support they provide is suitable to your needs. Here is some information about palliative care from our website, which I feel would be beneficial for you to read. Practical help and support at home of a non clinical nature such as help with personal care, mobility support etc can be arranged through your local authority through the care teams following a needs assessment details can be found here - Social care needs assessment information.

Rosiee Do you have any support around you at all? Anyone who knows what is happening for you and your health and who can support you through this? We’re here if it would help to talk more about this. You can call in on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm), web chat or email if you’d prefer. I would also encourage you to read through our How are you feeling, the emotional impact of cancer. publication as it explains varying emotions and effects of having cancer and ways to manage these feelings. It may help to take look at it and to be reassured that what you are feeling is natural and there are ways to help cope with these feelings.

Take care,

Katie, Information and Support Adviser

Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

Rosiee 3 months ago in reply to Katie - Macmillan

Thank you for replying. The only number I have called so far was The Cinnamon Trust recommended by MacMillan as an organisation that may help with pet care. Their suggestion was boarding kennels. I do not see this as special advice or practical help. Wonder why MacMillan even promote them?
Your finance calculator result was that I do not qualify for financial help.
I will visit a Maggie’s centre to explore what can be offered in terms of emotional support.

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Practical Support - living alone.