End of life for relative living alone

My brother (mid 70s) is terminal and lives alone. A month ago he was diagnosed and now he is now bedbound. He has carers come in a few times a day for 30 mins to make him basic food which he barely touches.

I have my own health issues and am finding it very hard supporting him. I am constantly going back and forth to his house bringing things, buying things (nappies, wipes), attending to things with him etc and it is exhausting me.

I am a carer for my husband, and while I want to and do support my dying brother I have health limits to what I can do and it is currently pushing beyond them.

Is there any support? Anyone I can contact? Any advice? What options do I have? This is new territory for me

Thanks

  • Hello Seedee, I am so sorry for what you are going through.  I know how exhausting it is to be a carer when you have health issues of your own.  I was wondering if your brother has been offerd a place in a hospice?  Last year when my brother-in-law was dying of cancer and it reached the stage where he could no longer do anything for himself, he was given the option of carers coming in or going in to a hospice.  He opted for carers to tend to him at home, and I have to say that the standard of care he received was excellent.  There was a carer at his home with him 24/7.  They took it in shifts where there was always someone with him. Do you think that a hospice is something that your brother would consider?  If he is agreeable to the idea, perhaps  you could speak with his Doctor or his carers about it?  Good luck Seedee, xx