A study comparing end-of-life care in 80 countries has shown the UK is the best place in the world in which to die.
The reasons cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit:
1) The integration of palliative care into the NHS,
2) a strong hospice movement largely funded by the charitable sector,
3) specialised staff,
4) deep community engagement.
I can attest to palliative care being wonderful here in the UK.
The UK received the top score in the indicator measuring financial burden to patients, indicating that 80% to 100% of end-of-life care services are paid for by sources other than the patient, much of it from charitable funding.
The Quality of Death Index, commissioned by the Lien Foundation, a Singaporean philanthropic organisation, is based on qualitative and quantitative indicators and took in interviews with more than 120 palliative care experts from around the world.
The reasons cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit:
1) The integration of palliative care into the NHS,
2) a strong hospice movement largely funded by the charitable sector,
3) specialised staff,
4) deep community engagement.
I can attest to palliative care being wonderful here in the UK.
The UK received the top score in the indicator measuring financial burden to patients, indicating that 80% to 100% of end-of-life care services are paid for by sources other than the patient, much of it from charitable funding.
The Quality of Death Index, commissioned by the Lien Foundation, a Singaporean philanthropic organisation, is based on qualitative and quantitative indicators and took in interviews with more than 120 palliative care experts from around the world.
Heart & hands - pixabay.com After my husband's cancer appeared last year, here are our experiences:
We've received help from many different sources. Most of our visitors stay for at least two hours and let him talk as much as he needs to, leaving him smiling and stress-free.
District nurses are wonderful whenever he needs his catheter changed. We've also had visits from Age Concern & Guidance in the Home, all overseen by our wonderful community navigator. Some are run by charities, some are Government funded.
A visit yesterday from a representative in the financial section of McMillan's charity, left us with hopeful news. She will handle all our claims, ensuring we get the allowances for which we are entitled, which, in turn, will reduce our rent.
Although she told us not to worry, my husband ended up extremely stressed, and I wanted to bury my head under the blanket because of his agitated condition. He wanted to talk to her—to tell her about his worries, but the extremely efficient woman cut across his concerns and focused on our finances on her laptop.
The visit lasted just twenty minutes and covered many points about our worries. She gave us the name of a company to contact which would help with long-standing debts. At the time, my husband was in no state to consider taking this action, but I'm hopeful he'll work his way around to it.
Of course, McMillan charity offers a phone service for cancer patients to use when they have concerns of any kind. He hasn't resorted to this yet. At the moment, finances are our greatest concern.
My husband doesn't quite believe help will arrive as if by magic. He's holding his breath.
None of us want to consider what will happen in the future. When you're young, that's the last thing on your mind. However, it's good to know help is available.
Do you have a story about end of life care?
We've received help from many different sources. Most of our visitors stay for at least two hours and let him talk as much as he needs to, leaving him smiling and stress-free.
District nurses are wonderful whenever he needs his catheter changed. We've also had visits from Age Concern & Guidance in the Home, all overseen by our wonderful community navigator. Some are run by charities, some are Government funded.
A visit yesterday from a representative in the financial section of McMillan's charity, left us with hopeful news. She will handle all our claims, ensuring we get the allowances for which we are entitled, which, in turn, will reduce our rent.
Although she told us not to worry, my husband ended up extremely stressed, and I wanted to bury my head under the blanket because of his agitated condition. He wanted to talk to her—to tell her about his worries, but the extremely efficient woman cut across his concerns and focused on our finances on her laptop.
The visit lasted just twenty minutes and covered many points about our worries. She gave us the name of a company to contact which would help with long-standing debts. At the time, my husband was in no state to consider taking this action, but I'm hopeful he'll work his way around to it.
Of course, McMillan charity offers a phone service for cancer patients to use when they have concerns of any kind. He hasn't resorted to this yet. At the moment, finances are our greatest concern.
My husband doesn't quite believe help will arrive as if by magic. He's holding his breath.
None of us want to consider what will happen in the future. When you're young, that's the last thing on your mind. However, it's good to know help is available.
Do you have a story about end of life care?
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