End of life care for my dear old dad.

[Socksorting]

Dad is 92 and has been suffering with prostate cancer for well over 15 years. He’s chosen to take the route of least interference, which has been ok so far. About 3 weeks ago I called an ambulance as he couldn’t stand up and I noticed his face had dropped on one side and his speech was slurred. I thought he’d had a stroke.

By the time the ambulance had arrived he’d perked up and his features had levelled up again. The ambulance staff quickly ascertained he hadn’t suffered a stroke but had fainted. A few tests later and they decided to take him into hospital because every time he stood up, his BP plummeted and he was in danger of fainting again.

Since his admission he has been diagnosed with low sodium, which cannot be rectified as it is associated with his prostate cancer. The cancer has spread to his lungs. So we’re looking at making his last days/weeks/months as tolerable as we can. The thing is he really wants to come home. We want him home. A care package is being put in place and we’re expecting a delivery of hospital equipment any time soon.

However, the doctor told me today that he’s suffering from secretions that need pumping out. The health visitor should be able to clear him on a daily basis, but I wondered if a non medically trained person could acquire the necessary pump (me or siblings) and do what’s necessary as and when it’s needed?

I’m not sure what to Google to get the info I need. Any suggestions or experiences please of something similar?

Thank you

Yes you can do it with correct equipment and training from physiotherapist/community nurses. or you could ask if you can be shown how to do this on ward before he comes home. Many families do this "suctioning" as and when needed in many circumstances. A little frightening when you first do it but once you know what to do is fine. Suction machine and suction catheters should be supplied by NHS I know this as I have taught families(about 10 years ago) to do this when caring for someone in the home.

Also carers from SOME agencies already are able to do this or can be taught to do this. Have you applied for Continuing Health Care Funding under special rules. Ask ward staff about this assuming you are in UK.

@Mouse70

Thank you so much for replying. The info I was given was that there were no community suction machines, so would have to rely on the daily HV visit. He’ll be getting 2 careers x 4 a day. I was under the impression that they wouldn’t be able or capable of doing this task.

I’ve left a message with our local hospice to see what advice and/or help they can provide. It’s only this afternoon this latest hiccup has come to light. Hopefully it can be sorted before dad comes home, which I was hoping would be tomorrow. We shall see.

No advice I'm afraid OP but you sound like a lovely daughter

Thank you Drogonsmile. You made me fill up (again).

It’s been hard with no visiting, and his phone is always turned off. The ward staff have been good and passed the landline over on occasion. We had one FaceTime call with the help of a volunteer. Thank goodness for the IPads many hospitals have been given.

I’ve left messages with a couple of agencies so I’ll start again tomorrow.