65% of people said that they would rather be
cared for at home if they were terminally ill
When asked why they wanted to remain at home, 71 per cent said it is where they’d feel happiest but only 37 per cent said it’s because they would be kept comfortable and pain free. However, there is recognition that, for 90 per cent of cancer patients, pain can be managed equally well at home as in hospital.
The UK’s lack of understanding about the care available is clear - whilst 84 per cent of the population are aware that dying at home is an option, only 18 per cent think this care comes free.
While everyone is entitled to free palliative care at home, inequitable services across the UK mean adequate end of life care is not always available. Marie Curie Cancer Care is working to ensure everyone has the choice to die where they wish. The Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme, which is up and running in seven sites across the UK, shows that by redesigning and better co-ordinating palliative care services, more people can be supported to die at home.
Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Chief Executive, said “When all the elements of Delivering Choice are in place patients and their loved ones benefit from the care and support they need in familiar and comfortable surroundings.
“The programme gives patients what they want – to die at home – and does not cost any more, if anything it costs less.
“I would hope that with such a clear cut case for the roll out of the programme we can find a way for government to invest in end of life care and honour the wishes of those who want to spend their final days at home.”
Actor Hugh Grant, whose mother was cared for by a Marie Curie Nurse, is supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care’s campaign to increase choice in end of life care. He said, “This is about the precious last few days, hours of someone’s life.
“My own mother died of cancer and was cared for by Marie Curie Nurses – she was allowed to die peacefully surrounded by her family after receiving the very best attention from those helping us to support her. Everyone should have that choice.”
Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Great Daffodil Appeal, supported by Yellow Pages, runs throughout March. The charity is asking people to wear a daffodil pin with dignity. Every donation for the appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses provide free end of life care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes.
February 2008
