Hospice worries - being "moved on"

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Does anyone have experience of their loved one being "moved on" from hospice care?

My husband was admitted as an inpatient at the hospice five days ago after two traumatic weeks in hospital, during which his condition seemed to getting visibly worse every day. The doctor at the hospital told us that in her opinion he probably only had 2-3 weeks left, which did not surprise either me or him to be honest. Before the hospital I'd been caring for him at home, and struggling pretty badly to cope, it must be said.

I was so relieved to see him being cared for so well in the calm setting of the hospice at last. It wasn't easy for either of us to face up to the idea that he was nearing the end finally, 3 years on from his diagnosis. Nonetheless there was a sense of closure I guess. And I have been gradually getting used to being at home without him. 

But now I'm getting worried as a couple of the doctors at the hospice have been talking about him not being allowed to stay there more than two weeks, and saying that, while he is obviously a very sick man who is near the end of life, he might be required either to return home or go to a nursing home. I know he doesn't want to do either of those things and both of them fill me with dread for different reasons. I am also worried that he would be very traumatised at being moved again when he is so weak.

It was my understanding that hospice = dying, is this not so? Does anyone else have experience of this and if so, what happened? I would really appreciate hearing about anyone else's experience. I'm not sure why we have had so many conversations with various health professionals about my husband's preferred place to die (which has always been the hospice) if at the very end he may be shunted off somewhere else for not dying fast enough

I should add that there is no criticism of the hospice or its staff, they are incredible. I'm just really worried right now

  • Hello  

    I am Brian, one of the Community Champions here at Macmillan. I am so sorry to read your post, and I have noticed you haven't had any replies. By me replying your post will be "bumped up" to the top of the group and I hope seen and responded to by other members of the group.

    From personal experience I am aware that it's possible to be moved from a hospice to a care home or even home due to either pressures on the hospice or the need for specialist care. I have put a link here which may help:

    Choosing where to die.

    IF you feel it would be unsafe for him to return home - even with extended visits from carers you need to make this known to his team as soon as possible.

    I hope the above helps, don't forget to take care of yourself at this time too. Our Support Line is there for you too on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week).

    Kind regards - Brian.

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