Mesothelioma Claim - Respite and Hospice Care

Respite care

Respite care provides planned short-term breaks for families and other unpaid caregivers.

Respite care can be provided in various different forms. It may be provided by a local authority following an assessment or by a hospice or other charity.

If you are finding it difficult to cope with caring for a loved one, it is important to get help as soon as possible by speaking to your doctor or specialist nurse.  They will be able to help you obtain the help you need.   

Respite care can involve the sufferer going into a hospice or nursing home for a short period of time before returning home.  It can involve day-sitting services where someone comes to your home during the day so that a carer can go out or take part in activities or interests they enjoy.  It can be for just a few hours or a full day.  Respite care can be a night-sitting service to allow the carer to get some much needed rest.  

For further information visit:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/what-is-social-care.aspx

Or contact Carers Direct Helpline on 0300 123 1053

Hospice care

Hospice care aims to improve the lives of people whose illness may not be curable.  

Many people think of hospices as providing care just in the very final stage of their illness but often hospices can provide other help and support in the earlier stages.  They can assist with helping to control symptoms and improving a sufferer’s quality of life.  Hospices can also help families during their bereavement.  

Hospice care is provided free of charge.  Hospices are often part funded by the NHS and part funded by donations.  

Hospices take care of the physical needs together with the emotional, spiritual and social needs of both the sufferer and their close family and friends.

The services offered will vary from one hospice to another but may include

• Medical and nursing care

• Pain and symptom control

• Rehabilitation therapies

• Physiotherapy

• Complimentary therapies

• Occupational therapy

• Respite care

• Spiritual support

• Practical and financial advice

• Bereavement care

Whilst hospice care is provided free of charge, it is sometimes possible in any claim for compensation to reclaim from your opponents the cost of the care provided by the hospice.  This money can then be paid as a donation to the hospice to help them provide care to future patients. One of our specialist asbestos solicitors can advise you about reclaiming hospice costs in your mesothelioma claim or lung cancer claim.  

For further information on hospice provision in your area visit: https://www.hospiceuk.org/