End of life.

[Lollipop20]

A close relative is at the end of life and we have been recommended a nursing home due to their complex needs for their last few weeks. I wondered what peoples experiences of a nursing home was with their loved ones if they experienced it? Unsure as to why it’s not a hospice as they are known to them (I think it may be not enough beds)

I would really push for a hospice for end of life, I would ask if the GP can do a referral and see why they won't give them one and then fight for it.

Hospices are much nicer, you can stay as long as you like even over night, and the care is second to none.

Unfortunately hospice beds are not available in most areas most of the time for patients to die in. If the death is likely to be weeks not days away, and is unlikely to need complex specialist doctors intervention for symptoms management, then it's very usual to be offered a care home. The hospice bed can be used by several people in that same time period who have terrible pain that needs settling or other benefits over just being in a nicer place. Unfortunately that is the current reality

i hope it goes ok OP and your relative finds some peace

Around here nursing home beds are a very good option for end of life care and the hospice beds are used more for symptom control and short admissions at the very end of life. There is 24 hour nursing care in the homes and a lot of experience with syringe drivers etc. The hospice nurses and doctors are available for advice if needed. They are likely to be flexible with visiting times.

My close friend has recently been admitted to a nursing home for exactly the same reason. She is only 57, it’s sad to see her there, I feel like a hospice would have been better. But a lot of pressure on places and she was no longer able to be cared for at home by family. She has only been there a week, and already some issues with them reducing medication without consultation with family. I know they were meeting with the doctor today. It’s all very sad. But it’s better than the hospital which is where my friend spent 2wks whilst waiting for a place.