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Life-limiting illness

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Original poster

Hospice care question

14 replies

SilverGlassHare · 07/03/2022 20:28

We have a friend with stage four cancer who’s recently mentioned they’ve had support/help from a local hospice. My question is, do hospices ever offer palliative care to people that isn’t end of life care? We know his diagnosis but not his long term prognosis so we absolutely don’t want to pry, but he’s my DH’s good friend and I’d like to prepare DH, and offer additional support to the family if we can.

OP posts:

Duracellbunnywannabe · 07/03/2022 20:32

Hospices some times help with pain management in people who are not terminally ill as their staff are experts in this area. They also often palliative care to people to people who are not at the end if life yet.

Original poster

SilverGlassHare · 07/03/2022 20:35

Ok that’s good news, thank you. He’s had a lot of pain recently so that fits - thank you. That’s lifted a weight off my mind.

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Mindymomo · 07/03/2022 21:10

My brother had cancer and wasn’t eating or coping well so went into a hospice for a week to give his wife a break, although it didn’t help her much as she was there most of the time.

Original poster

SilverGlassHare · 07/03/2022 21:16

Thanks @Mindymomo. It’s really good to know. We’re really worried and doing our best to provide support without getting underfoot, as it were.

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Original poster

SilverGlassHare · 07/03/2022 21:17

I hope your brother is doing much better now.

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boyblue · 07/03/2022 23:07

Hospices often also offer respite care.

notapizzaeater · 08/03/2022 00:07

My DH spent 4 weeks in one getting his pain under control. They also offer therapies and support

Original poster

SilverGlassHare · 09/03/2022 13:45

Thanks both, that's good to know. I've just found out he's got some encouraging results from the latest round of treatment, which is brilliant news. Thank you all for your reassurance.

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DetailMouse · 09/03/2022 13:51

DH spent time in hospice for pain management. His prognosis was terminal, but he was a long way from end of life at that point.

NeverEndingFireworks · 14/03/2022 19:06

I have some experience of not being able to get a relative into a hospice, and then supporting another one who WAS under hospice care.

The key, I was told, was a diagnosis of a life limiting condition. The relative who was unable to get a place was simply old and nearing the end of his life, but did not have a diagnosis of any condition that would limit his natural life.

The relative who was supported by hospice had a cancer diagnosis, was still undergoing treatment - but was eligible for their support package (therapies, counselling etc) as soon as she got the cancer diagnosis. They told her that sometimes people were supported by them for years as they respond to chemo etc. She did, eventually, die in there - and it was a wonderful place.

So your friend might have years, but his current diagnosis is likely that his condition is life limiting.

mowly77 · 19/03/2022 23:47

Yes indeed as other posters have said. It's scary but normal. I've recently been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer & not even started treatment yet but the hospital arranged a visit from a very lovely nurse from the local hospice who came to my house and just went through all the prescriptions the hospital had given me as an outpatient (LOADS) to help manage my pain & symptoms better. She was really helpful.

My impression is they do a lot of outreach in the community and they are the real experts on life-limiting illnesses and pain management because that is their full time job - she was confused with what the dr had given me and she was right & he was wrong! They will help you get equipment in your house if necessary and all kinds of things.

Yes it was v frightening for me when they said someone from the hospice was coming but it was actually all well and good... they didn't cart me off to the hospice to die .... they helped me be more comfortable in my own home with my family and small daughter around me. I think they do an amazing job in my limited experience. They also offer counselling both for the patient and carer i.e. my partner in this case which he is going to do. All good thoughts and wishes to your brother OP

mowly77 · 19/03/2022 23:51

sorry @SilverGlassHare - all good thoughts to your friend ( morphine brain me) And to @Mindymomo 's brother.

Original poster

SilverGlassHare · 20/03/2022 07:10

@mowly77 thanks for this, that’s really good to know. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis - really glad you have that support and I do hope your treatment goes well x

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Kezzie200 · 30/03/2022 23:45

I know someone who has advanced cancer and has been in a hospice sorting pain relief. Sadly, she deteriorated whilst there, but not to hospice levels, so has been moved now to a care home as she cannot cope at home. She's 60.

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