"End of Life Care in Nursing Home"

My father was in Randolph Hill Nursing Home in Dunblane with Advanced Parkinsons. Dad deteriorated suddenly mid December - with aspirational ? Pneumonia. Within hours he became very unwell. Hospital at Home Service came mid afternoon in mid December and Dad stabilised over the weekend. This meant Dad did not go into hospital which would have been against all our wishes. Dad was where he wanted to be, with nursing staff who understood Dad and knew his advanced care needs. Dad had been in Randolph Hill for two years so was well known and excellently cared for. Hospital At Home Service came regularly and were so kind, empathetic and efficient. I called a few times mid evening and staff answered the phone immediately and knew immediately who Dad was and what the plan was. Dad had spent time in hospital over the past few years and communication was very poor which understand is due to low resources/priority of care. But it makes a massive difference to family if they can speak to care staff and understand the plan and next stages of care. 

Hospital at Home correctly foresaw the complications for Dad with the four public holidays and effect on availability of pain relief medication. After discussion, end of life pain relief was prescribed and was available late December when Dad died.

I cannot recommend Hospital at Home highly enough. An outstanding service with excellent staff. Dad died where he wanted when he wanted thanks to this service and the excellent compassionate staff. Our family is extremely grateful. I hope this iservice is well funded and available for others. Thank you.