Can I move my mum close to me for end of life palliative care?

Hi,

My mum is going through diagnosis for bone cancer but its an almost certainty that she is in late stages.  She is 87 and lives alone with me being her only living family however,  I live 150 miles away with a young family and cannot travel to see her very easily.  If/when she gets the staging diagnosis, would she be entitlement to move closer to me for her care/treatment (across different NHS boundaries) to enable me to visit her and be nearer to her/take her grandsons to see her?  Thanks in advance, I knew this was coming but it isn't making it any easier and I can't bear the thought of her being alone

  • Hi DmB50 and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to learn of your mum’s  situation and can understand how difficult it must be to try and support her whilst living miles away.

    It is possible to switch NHS trusts while undergoing cancer treatment, but it isn’t always straightforward. Your mum can discuss her wish to change hospitals with her current specialist team.

    They will need to contact the new hospital to arrange a smooth handover of her care, including her medical history, treatment plan, and test results.

    The process will depend on the specific circumstances of your mum’s treatment and the availability of suitable services at the new location.

    It can also be very emotionally draining on someone who is trying to support someone who has cancer. You may find  How to support someone with cancer useful to read.

    Right now, supporting your mum and taking care of yourself is important.

    This is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family, I hope this information helps.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards

    Tina

  • Thank you Tina for your kind words and for all the information