Accessing end of life care during coronavirus

Speak to the GP or district nurse about getting the care your family member needs. Services may be different at the moment. For example, the GP or nurse may do more appointments over the phone. Or they may reduce physical contact when they visit, or use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a mask, gloves and plastic apron. If your doctor or nurse are providing support over the phone but you feel you need more support, ask them to visit you at home.

Anyone visiting the house should carefully wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. The doctor or nurse can give you advice on reducing risks to yourselves and others, including limiting visitors, ensuring social distancing with visitors, and regular handwashing.

Marie Curie have more information about end of life care during coronavirus. And we have information about accessing end of life care for people with pancreatic cancer. Do be aware though that this was written before coronavirus, and some things may be a bit different at the moment.

Caring for someone with pancreatic cancer

It’s ok for you to care for the person with pancreatic cancer. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly when you arrive at their home, and don’t visit if you have any symptoms of coronavirus. Take lateral flow tests twice a week.

If you do not live with the person you care for, it is recommended that you wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when delivering care. The government is offering free PPE to unpaid carers who don’t live with the person they care for. This will be available until march 2022. If you do live with the person you are caring for, you don’t need PPE, unless recommended by the doctor or nurse.

If you are caring for the person with pancreatic cancer, it’s a good idea to make plans for who can help if you become unwell. Read more about this.

Updated 5 January 2022