For a person to stay at home as a terminal illness progresses, they almost always need practical help from family and friends. Palliative care supports not just the patient, but also their family and carers.
Providing care for a loved one in the last weeks and months is often very rewarding. However the physical, psychological and financial toll from caring for a dying person is significant as well. In our community most people have had little direct experience of death and some may be extremely anxious about this role.
In order to provide good care, family and carers may need:
- Knowledge about the patient’s medical condition, what to expect and how to help with symptoms
- Practical information and skills for looking after a person who is deteriorating
- Financial support
- Equipment
- Encouragement to take breaks and care for their own health and wellbeing, which may include planned respite
- A crisis plan and contact information for after hours advice
- Reassurance that they are doing a good job, and help with decision making if they are unable to continue the caregiving role.
GPs and practice staff can assist carers by providing information and suggesting sources of quality materials. Timely referrals for additional help and equipment can be important. GPs should monitor the wellbeing of carers as well as their ongoing ability to provide care.
Information needs
CareSearch provides many resources for carers. The section of the website which have been written For Patients and Families contain locally relevant, quality assessed materials to help people who are taking on a caring role.
Some key carer and family resources can also be printed out to give them.
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