Should I push for end of life medication?

Hi June

Welcome to the online community and I am sorry that you've had to join us at such a distressing time with your mum.

Rather than push for end of life medication I would speak with the care home nurses and doctors to make sure she will be given pain relief as she needs it.

I'm sorry to hear that your mum can't speak but no doubt you've discovered other ways of communication like a squeeze of the hand can be a good tool.

At this very worrying time when you'll no doubt be juggling many things around to support your mum it is very important that you look after yourself and not stretch yourself too much. Every so often take a step back and say to yourself for the next ½ or 1 hour this is my time and take some ME time you feel the benefit for doing it and be in a better place to support your mum.

You may like to look at our Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum group as another place to ask questions, the members over there are, like in other groups, are very friendly and supportive towards each other and I'm sure you'll get some good advice and help from the members who only too willing to share in their experiences.

Keep posting and keep in touch and if you need to ask anything don't hesitate just come back and ask one of us will have an answer for you.

Best wishes

Ian

Hi Ian

Thank you so much for your response. I  am trying to get some me time. I do get tired from driving back and forth, although it's in the countryside so a very nice drive. I enjoy swimming and did take time to swim on Friday, the first time in a few weeks.

I spoke to a nurse when she arrived at the home, who told me that my mum didn't show any signs of being in pain. She also said that my mum had to wait for meds to be prescribed by the GP who's practice she had moved to (she's moved areas so has to register with a new GP practice). I didn't find her particularly helpful. But perhaps she just thought I was interfering, I don't know. I'll speak to a nurse again today when I visit.

I think I just assumed that my mum would need pain relief because she's on end of life care.

My mum has given her flat up, so I am also busy planning the clearing of her flat, because it's rented from a housing association I have four weeks to clear it.

But, of course she is my first priority. I am now thinking that I should have nursed her at home instead of allowing her to go into care.