Oral presentation by Annie Hendry on behalf of CARiAD team.

In this paper we discuss accounts of lay carers who have cared for a dying person at home during the last days of life. Many people nearing the end of life express a wish to die at home; the fulfilment of this wish often depends on the ability of a lay carer to support them at home during this difficult and emotional time. Relationships between carers and those they care for may experience change as the needs of an individual evolve, boundaries between the medical and the non-medical world shift, and end of life becomes increasingly closer.

Healthcare professionals support those having a home death by visiting to administer medications. This can mean long waiting times which may contribute to distress and discomfort for patient and carer.

In this study, lay carers were trained to give under the skin medications when needed. In depth interviews were conducted with carers and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

The rich and detailed accounts of carers in this study reveal the complexity of caring relationships during the last days of life and are intrinsically bound with the desire to fulfil wishes, alleviate pain and suffering and to contribute actively towards care. However, these factors are further intertwined with concerns regarding lay/ professional boundaries, carer burden and the potential for hastening death. This paper will shed light on the lived experiences of those caring for a dying person and the ways in which they navigate their way through this challenging time.