Pain management named top concern by carers of terminally ill

Not being able to manage a loved one’s pain is what worries people most about caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Half of all adults surveyed by charity Marie Curie revealed this to be their top concern, followed closely by 44% saying not having access to 24/7 care and support.

The results also showed that 41% of people were worried about the strain caring for a loved one would have on their finances.

Concern over the management of a loved one’s pain was found to be particularly prevalent among older UK adults, with two thirds of those aged over 65, and three in five aged 55 – 64 citing it as a top concern, compared to 42% of 18 – 24 year olds.

In contrast, younger respondents are more likely to be concerned about the strain on their finances, with 52% of 25 – 34 year olds saying this would be a top concern, compared to 31% of those aged 65 or over.

It was also noted that there was a marked difference in responses across different parts of the UK.

In Northern Ireland 69% said their loved one’s pain not being managed would be a top concern, compared to 51% of respondents in England.

The Welsh were the most concerned about the strain on their finances, with 44% picking this as their biggest worry.

A quarter of respondents in Scotland would be concerned that they would feel isolated and lonely, compared to 22% in Wales, 18% in England and 13% in Northern Ireland.

Dr Jane Collins, chief executive, Marie Curie said: “We know that only 5% of people want to be in hospital at the end of life and yet without that carer support, many more people who are terminally ill would experience emergency admissions and spend their last weeks and days in hospital.

“What is clear is that if we don’t recognise and support carers, there will be severe consequences for people who are terminally ill, their loved ones, and the NHS. We need to get this right as a society.”

The online poll of 2,182 UK was conducted by ComRes for Marie Curie to coincide with the charity launching its annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

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