Looking after your family member/friend at home
Would I be able to cope with Jack’s illness at home, having had no nursing experience apart from sick children? It seemed such a huge undertaking, but one I had to tackle for Jack’s sake. The hospital put me in touch with the local palliative care service. The service organised a special mattress, aids for showering and toileting and information on medication. Working in tandem with our doctor, they gave me the confidence to see things through to their inevitable conclusion.
Caring for someone may be an around-the-clock responsibility involving administering multiple medicines, and learning nursing tasks such as managing central lines, nasogastric feeds and home oxygen, as well as physical tasks like toileting, washing, turning and repositioning. Many carers feel confusion and fear about taking responsibility for their family member/friend’s health care and medications.
There are many services and resources available which can assist carers with the day to day medical and physical responsibilities of caring. Click here for some information on these resources.
Terminology can be confusing. This website has used the following terminology:
- terminal illness - an illness which is progressive and has no cure
- life threatening illness - an illness which is very serious - a person may recover, or the illness may become terminal.
Sometimes, in other forums, the terms "life limiting" or "life shortening" are used instead of "terminal".
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here.