Help!

Hi my dad is 81 and has multiple cancers plus fibrosis .he is declining and very thin and weak . My mum is also 81 and is amazing how she cares for him . However my sister and I are very concerned as mum is getting up with him multiple times a night due to urine being spilt on the bed or she's helping him trying to walk and he falls and then sometimes she does and he cant get up on his own at all.

Mum is resistant to accepting any help but we are really concerned .my sister has just contacted a Sue ryder nurse to ask if there was any progression in the fast track we were told he was on and the nurse said they had taken him off this and she thought he wasn't " a dying man " . The doctor who came to see him told him he was and he is

My sister was very upset after the call she said she sas offered no compassion or understanding and the information was contradicting the other things we wete told

The nurse isnt even coming this week , as she thought my dad wasn't " a dying man:. He cant even get dressed  wash , sit up, balence or manage personal  care  

We are now left with a situation we feel is dangerous and affecting dad's last few weeks 

Im messaging to ask if you have any information to help us we would be very greatful 

  • Hi Angelagertrude24 and thank you for your post.

    I am very sorry to hear how hard things are for your dad, and for your mum who is doing so much to look after him. It sounds very tiring and worrying for all of you.

    From what you have said, your dad needs a lot of help now. It is not safe for your mum to lift him, help him walk, or keep getting up many times in the night. She could hurt herself, and your dad could fall and be badly hurt too.

    It must have been very upsetting to be told different things about whether he is on the fast‑track pathway. I am sorry the call did not feel kind or understanding. You should not have been left feeling confused.

    If your dad is very weak, cannot wash or dress, cannot get out of bed safely, and is getting more unwell, he should be assessed again. You can ask  the GP for an urgent review , as they are responsible for managing his healthcare at home and can also refer him to community services like district nurses or  another fast‑track assessment if things have changed. You can say clearly that your mum cannot safely care for him alone and that you are very worried.

    It is okay for your mum to accept help. It does not mean she is not doing a good job. It is simply too much for one person to manage.

    You can also reach out to AGE UK or Citizens Advice as they may be able to offer assistance.

    The Cancer Care Map also lists local support and smaller charities or organisations that may be able to help.

    It can be very emotionally draining on the family who is trying to support someone who has cancer; you must be supported too. 

    I hope this information is helpful.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards,

    Tina