Family and close friends often provide care and support when a family member is very ill and near the end of life. It can be very tiring – physically and emotionally. It is important to look after yourself and get any support you need. Help is available for carers – including family
members providing care.

PHH provides all of our families with individualised support according to their needs. Our team aims to support your caring role by providing information and exploring options that help you cope daily and give hope.
We recognise that often there are many demands on your time, including medical appointments, treatments in hospital, financial responsibilities, family needs, and life in general. Our aim is to help you maintain your chosen commitments, with as much or as little support as you feel you need.

Our team of palliative care specialists are experienced in providing support, answering questions and offering holistic care in your home.

Tips to help Care Givers

  • What restores you and increases your energy? Take the time to do this regularly
  • Admit you may need a break at some stage and have a plan in place
  • Keep a diary with appointments, information and notes to yourself – it helps to keep it all in one place
  • Keep a symptom diary, rather than trying to remember details that doctors/nurses may ask from you
  • Take regular walks and exercise
  • Seek support early on from your PHH team (this may help you cope with changes and the bumps along the road)
  • Accept offers of help from family and friends (allow them to care for you too)
  • Talk to someone who can listen well, and provide support
  • Engage in ‘feel good’ activities, remembering that when you are feeling good, your care of the client is also positive
  • A rostering system may help balance family commitments and help other family members feel useful
  • See your GP for check-ups, and prioritise your health needs as well
  • Use our PHH Client Care Volunteer service to help you attend any regular community or social commitments during this time (your mental health is very important)
  • Talk to any member of our team – we welcome questions, feedback and requests.

About Grief

Grief is a natural response when facing a life limiting illness and the death of someone you love. People experience grief in their own way. It can change from day to day and over time.

There is no right or wrong way. Grief seems a simple word to describe the many complex responses we may experience following the death of someone close.

  • It is normal, natural and inevitable
  • It can affect every part of our life, including our thoughts, behaviours, beliefs, feelings, physical health, sense of self, identity and our relationships with others
  • It can also be a time of reflection, change and personal growth.

Bereavement

As an extension of the support available to you and your family, PHH provides bereavement support for up to 18 months.

This includes:

  • Individual Counselling
  • Family Counselling
  • Spiritual Care Counselling

"Caregiving is a series of small acts of care that alter the course of someone's life."

– Dame Cecily Saunders –
Founder of the hospice movement