When someone is seriously ill or dying, the family member providing care will want information about what is happening. This need for information will change as the illness progresses.

Family carers have said they need to know what information the sick person has been given to provide the very best care. This may or may not be possible, depending upon their relationship with the person who is ill and whether they have the seriously ill person’s permission. There aren’t always easy answers.

This lack of information can make it hard for the family carer to manage. It also can be stressful for them.

Often family carers will need information about practical matters. This can include: how to care for someone at home; and managing the role of carer, including looking after themselves, giving medication, managing finances and what to expect as time passes. When the ill person is deteriorating, they need to know how to recognise the changes associated with dying, and what to do after the death. They may need more support as death approaches.
 

Resources

• Carers Australia has information on ‘Informing yourself’ that may be useful.
• There are Palliative Care Standards that describe patients’ rights and responsibilities regarding care.
• The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients and other people using the Australian health system.

Related CareSearch pages

Why information matters
Patient's need for information
Looking after yourself
Making decisions
Living with illness
How to care / practical information
Why is communication important?
 

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011