Pallative care: Daughters battled admin while mother died

Managing her mother’s pain, plus arranging items such as a wheelchair and commode, meant Ceridwen Hughes was not able to say a proper goodbye.

Talking about her mum Joan’s last weeks in Mold, Flintshire, she said the family were “on our own” in looking after her.

Despite 43 calls for assistance, a doctor visited just once, meaning precious last moments were spent as carers.

End-of-life charity Marie Curie spoke to more than 1,000 family members, including 557 in Wales, finding many took on tasks they lacked knowledge for, and struggled to get professional help when acting as carers.

It has called on ministers to develop a plan for providing more help.

“Good palliative care can make a huge difference to the quality of life for those with life-limiting illness, helping them to die with dignity, and facilitates a healthy grieving process for those left behind,” said a Welsh government spokesperson.

“That is why we continue to provide over £12.5m every year to ensure people in Wales have access to the best possible end of life care and support.”