Hi Jolamine, 

Thank you .. i have now got help from Macmillan in Guildford, and it has been very useful on both the financial side and also on applying for a blue badge etc.. 

What I am trying to predict is what are the problems that this family are going to face, and how can I preempt some of these. I am anticipating that there will be mobility issues at some point, and times when B may be bed bound and need nursing etc.. His wife speaks no English and they live in a tiny flat with about 12 steep-ish stairs. I am wondering about whether it is going to be painful, and how his wife will manage etc.. Do most glioma patients spend time in a hospice? 

They are possibly going to be evicted from their flat in the  next couple of months. What should we push for, when the council rehome them? 

I have just down loaded some info the Brain Cancer Trust and will read. 

Thank you again....

Hi Tangerine,

I am delighted to hear that you have managed to get help from Macmillan. If the couple are going to be evicted, it sounds as if they should have a social worker to fight their corner re re-housing, especially when language is such a barrier. The new house should either be on the ground floor, with easy access or be a flat, with lift access. There would also need to be easy access to toilet facilities. There is always a big demand for this type of housing and a social worker can be helpful in facilitating this move. I, personally, have no experience of Glioma, but I would expect that they are as likely as anyone else, to spend their end stage in a hospice, provided that there is a space available. A social worker could possibly help with arranging this too.

There may be a need for some equipment to be installed to help the couple to live in the house safely. Items such as grab rails in the shower, or around the house, commode, bed pans, urinals, bed rails, safety equipment in the kitchen, walking sticks, walkers, zimmers, etc. Again, the social worker can arrange for a visit from the occupational therapist, who will assess the couple for their needs. These items will be provided free of cost.

I hope that you manage to get the housing problem sorted soon. It must be incredibly difficult trying to preempt some of the problems that are likely to crop up in the coming months. You might find it helpful to phone the nurses on this forum to get an idea of what lies ahead health wise. They are available Mon - Fri from 9.00am - 5.00pm. Their number is 0808 800 4040.

Please keep in touch and let u know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx