Only a third of people near the end of their lives are given the chance to spend their last days at home, a major national study has concluded.

Now Strathcarron Hospice is in a position to make a significant improvement to the situation throughout Forth Valley, Cumbernauld & Kilsyth described as “distressing for families and their loved ones”  by the Royal College of Nursing.

It’s all down to a £700,000 grant from the Big Lottery, which will cover 70% of the costs for the next five years of setting up a Hospice at Home service, with additional help from the Robertson Trust and NHS Forth Valley’s Endowments Fund.

Irene McKie, Strathcarron’s Chief Executive, said that the Hospice was “delighted” to receive the support of the Big Lottery.

“It will make a huge difference to patients and their carers. The Hospice @ Home team will provide compassionate and practical support for them at  what can be a very difficult and challenging time.”

Strathcarron’s Director of Nursing, Mrs Marjory Mackay, said that under Hospice @ Home, experienced health-care assistants from the hospice would work with people and their carers in their own homes.

“They will provide emotional and practical support, as well as personal care, to allow patients to stay at home in the last days of their life, if that is their wish.”

Mrs Mackay said that the new service could support a discharge from hospice or hospital, and provide additional care, especially during times of rapid change in illness, or difficulty with symptoms. It could also enable patients to stay at home and not be admitted to a hospital or hospice.