Facing Serious Illness
If you have opened this section it is likely that you are feeling deeply worried about the future. This section has two aims - to remind you that there is always hope and to give you good practical advice.
Palliative Care – what it means
Palliative care is the stage of the cancer journey that begins when active treatment can no longer help. This does not mean that the journey is over, but that a new phase has begun. Palliative treatment is given when cure is not possible but where treatment may improve cancer related symptoms and can prevent spread or prolong survival.
Even when it can't be cured, many people will live with cancer for years and lead a more or less normal life. From time to time they may have treatments, like radiotherapy or chemotherapy, to keep their condition under control. Palliative care works alongside these 'active' treatments to promote comfort and wellbeing.
Terminal care describes palliative care in the last few months, days or weeks of a person's life. During this time it is unlikely that there will be any active treatment for the cancer, and the focus will be on the person's comfort, and on giving support to their family.
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care is provided by GPs, district nurses, hospital doctors and nurses as part of their normal care of patients. They can arrange access to specialist palliative care for those with more complex problems.
Hospices and NHS Specialist Palliative Care Units provide in-patient, day-care and home-care services staffed by a team whose specialist training enables them to help people with particularly complex problems.
Hospitals may have a specialist palliative care team or palliative care support nurse. Macmillan nurses provide advice and support both to hospitals and to people at home, Marie Curie community nurses provide nursing care to patients at home.
Information Sources
Hospice Information
Tel : 0870 903 3 903
Web : www.hospiceinformation.info is an information service for both public and health professionals about palliative care and how hospices can help. They also hold details of palliative care services in the UK and worldwide which can be accessed through the website or via the helpline.
Marie Curie Cancer Care
Tel : 020 7599 7777
Web : www.mariecurie.org.uk is an excellent resource. In addition to details about the services they provide and how to access them there is a range of downloadable leaflets and booklets about caring for someone at home.
Cancerbackup
Tel : 0808 800 1234
Web Info Source : www.cancerbackup.org.uk includes an extensive section on coping with the specific issues that are raised by advanced cancer, including caring at home. In addition you can obtain a range of leaflets and booklets and the helpline will provide advice.
End Of Life
Knowing what to expect when someone nears the end of life is vitally important - both for the person who is ill and for their family and friends. It is also important to remember that no-one has to face this time on their own - there are many individuals and organisations waiting to help. We have included just a few of the larger organisations here, if you are looking for information on a specific issue then please contact us.
Marie Curie Cancer Care
Tel : 020 7599 7777
Web Info Source : www.mariecurie.org.uk publishes an excellent booklet - End of Life: the Facts which can be downloaded or ordered via their helpline. In addition to practical advice the booklet includes an extensive listing of organisations that can help at every stage.
They also provide a wide range of publications relating to bereavement – these include practical advice and emotional issues as well as supporting children through this difficult period.
Winston's Wish
Tel : 08452 03045
Web : www.winstonswish.org.uk is a child bereavement charity that can help young people readjust to life after the death of a parent or sibling. In addition to the website they offer a helpline service.
Natural Death Centre
Web : www.naturaldeath provides information on all types of funeral choices and is especially known for advice and support on family organised, environmentally-friendly funerals, and Natural Burial Grounds.
When Caring Ends
The end of caring can be a traumatic time for the carer. It is likely that they will be suffering loss, either by the person they were caring for going into a care home or when the cared for person dies. There will be enormous adjustments to be made, and at a time when the carer is likely to be dealing with a mass of mixed emotions.
Carers UK
Web Info Source : www.carersuk.org provides comprehensive information about financial benefits and practical support as well as how to find further help and support. It is also available as a booklet which can be obtained by phoning 020 7520 8892.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Tel : 0844 477 9400
Web : www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk is the UK's best known organisation for bereavement support. Services include counselling and support, advice, education and training. The website has a search facility so you can find your local branch.
Armchair Advice
Web Info Source : www.armchairadvice.co.uk
This is an excellent site offering practical information and legal or financial guidance including finding local services.
Page Updated : 13-Jul-2009