All of us live in communities. These communities may not be geographic. They reflect what we do, who we work with and who we spend time with. Many people when they are seriously ill prefer the comfort and familiarity of their home, friends and usual activities. They are often supported not only by doctors and community nurses but by family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances who provide care and social support.
In Australia, over 2 million people provide care for children, adults and older people with disabling chronic and terminal conditions. Being cared for with a life limiting illness at home usually requires the help of a family member or friend. Indeed, without the support of caregivers, home palliative care would be impossible for many people.
An article in the Medical Journal of Australia, Home-based support for palliative care families: challenges and recommendations, describes many of the care roles:
- Personal care (hygiene and feeding)
- Domestic care (cleaning, meal preparation)
- Auxiliary care (shopping, transportation)
- Social care (informal counselling, emotional support, conversing)
- Nursing care (administering medication, changing catheters)
- Planning care (establishing and coordinating support for the patient).
Caring can come at a cost to the caregiver. Carers often feel exhausted, isolated and burdened by their responsibilities. They may neglect their own health and wellbeing. They may forgo employment opportunities.
People in the community can be involved by:
- Providing direct care for some one with a life limiting illness
- Supporting caregivers and families
- Helping neighbours or work colleagues
- Volunteering in specialist palliative care services or local neighbourhood programmes
- Building partnerships between specialist palliative care services, primary care networks and community organisations
- Promoting end of life care and helping develop public policy.
Palliative Care Australia has started a National Community Education Initiative to highlight the role of the community in supporting those requiring palliative care.
This page was created on 22 April 2008 and is due for review in April 2010.