Home can mean many things, a place of comfort and peace, family and familiarity. Where someone chooses to live and die is a deeply personal decision, a decision influenced by many factors, unique to the individual, their families and carers. It is something, which is important to think about, and whilst it may not be easy to talk about, it is helpful to discuss this with your family and General Practitioner.

District or community nurses are skilled in providing nursing care and support both to patients and carers at home. They coordinate care and arrange other healthcare professionals that may be required at various stages of home care. She/he can also arrange for an assessment of any equipment, which would make it easier to manage at home. A district or community nurse’s visit can be arranged through your GP surgery.

There are also a number of specialist care teams that the district nurse will liaise with for support and advice:

• Hospice Palliative care Nurse
• Community Palliative care Nurse Specialist
• Marie Curie Nurse
• Macmillan Nurse
• Community Palliative care Team, a multidisciplinary team made up of a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, social worker and a speech & language therapist.

These teams provide expertise in assessment and treatment of physical symptoms as well as emotional and social support for you, family and carers.

Sometimes it is nice to be assured by the presence of a qualified nurse, Marie Curie Nurses and Hospice at Home nurses provide practical nursing care in your own home, available throughout the day and overnight.  Your district or community nurse can help you accessed these services.