Elderly end of life stage?

[Orangeblossom78]

I have an elderly relative with COPD who has lost a lot of weight, nearly 80, sleeping an awful lot, struggling with breathing and no longer can go upstairs without a real struggle

Does this sound like an end of life stage? Thanks

Sounds like it could be. Dying is a process for lots of older people rather than a sudden event. Do they have any support from the GP who would be able to arrange for end of life care support?

Thanks. Yes he has seen the GP quite recently. I do not think they have discussed this though. I wondered about them getting some home oxygen support. They have a consultant also. But with covid not much going on. Been told to shield as well and has limited much contact.

I think the problem is they are looking for something to 'sort it out' rather than to help with symptoms...

I might try and ask about some home oxygen and if that might help them, rather than discuss palliative care as think they are not ready to talk about that and it might upset them

Difficult situation really

Hugs OP. I have a very close elderly relative going through the same. It is heart breaking. In my case it is my DF, he has a home oxygen supply which does give some temporary relief. He lives alone so struggles with self care. I am trying to arrange some home care support for him but it’s not easy.

Can I ask how did you get the home oxygen sorted, through the GP? Thanks

Yes, it was through the GP, although he’s not in the UK, but if you start with the GP they should be able to direct you to the right place. Another thing I did was phone the District Nurse for his area and explained his situation. Initially she said that there was nothing that she could help with but did agree to pay him a visit. Straight after the visit she phoned me to say she was applying for a home care package for him.
Also, if you ca, try to speak to the GP yourself. I found that my DF was not very forthcoming with the GP and didn’t always understand what they GP said to him so it does help if you can act as a go-between.

Thanks yes that sounds similar- I just had a google and seems we have some kind of teams attached to the GP who help with it so I will mention it.

He's been in and out of hospital twice now with low oxygen, vomiting blood and blood in diarrhoa (sorry tmi)

Now they are discharging him again home, even though his oxygen is low

Any advice welcome. I have been reading with covid many are being discharged early, and ore dying at home. It's horrible.

they have said nothing much at the hospital and have not even written a discharge letter.