Home or hospital?

The Decisions At Life’s End (DALE) service aims to support people who choose to be cared for at home in the last few days of their life.

Extra trained nurses and Marie Curie nurses have been employed so that care and support can be planned for each person according to their individual needs and the needs of their carers.

Equipment needed to ensure comfort and safety, as well as to support personal and nursing care needs, will be readily available.

Volunteer befrienders can provide practical support and friendship to carers and family through what can be an anxious or difficult time. This might include help around the house, shopping, making telephone calls or paying bills.

You need to tell your carer and/or family and inform your GP or nurse who will record your wishes. This will ensure that everyone involved will be aware of what you want.

Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust with other partner organisations have been successful in securing £2.3million from the Department of Health Partnerships for Older People Project (POPP).

This is a 2 year grant and has enabled us to set up a service to prevent older people dying in hospitals.