Family carers provide support and direct care to someone with a life-limiting illness. They may care for a few hours a week or all day every day.
Caring for someone who is dying can be emotionally and physically demanding. Supporting and helping the family carer will help both them and the patient. If someone is living alone they may have a special need for practical help to enable them to remain at home if they wish to do so.
The help provided by family and friends is of real benefit. Sometimes people don't get involved because they don't know how to help. There are many simple ways that people can help. These include:
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011