Families play a significant role and are partners in the care of people with a life limiting illness. They provide most of the care throughout the person’s illness.
Early identification of the physical and emotional health of carers, and their needs, and the provision of the support they need is vital to ensure their health is not adversely affected by their caring role.
Strategies to Support Carers
Studies and feedback from carers of people with a life limiting illness have highlighted a range of helpful ways to support them, including:
- helpful communication and training on how to provide care
- time out from caring through access to in-home or out-of-home respite
- timely information about avenues of financial support available and any associated entitlements
- opportunities to have their own physical, psychological and emotional needs addressed
- assistance with practical tasks to manage the load of caring
- timely access to support to deal with grief and loss – such as counselling or participation in a bereavement support group.
Useful Resources
CareSearch - Supporting Carers
Evidence-based information and resources for health professionals on supporting carers of a person with a life limiting illness collated by CareSearch.
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Caregiver Psychosocial and Bereavement Support Guidelines
A resource for health professionals to improve the psychosocial and bereavement support of family caregivers of palliative care patients.
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Improving Carers Quality of Life
A resource for health professionals working in palliative care to
- understand the full impact of the caring role
- develop prevention strategies
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