Being a carer
Being a carer is rarely something people have planned to do. Taking care of someone with a terminal illness has been described as one of the toughest, but possibly most rewarding challenges of life… Read more
Looking after yourself—physically
Although caring for someone can be rewarding, it can also be demanding and exhausting. Carer stress can be a major problem when looking after someone in a home environment. Many carers focus all their attention on looking after their family member or friend and neglect their own health. Looking after yourself as a carer is important, not only for your own sake but because it will allow you to provide better care to your family member/friend… Read more
Looking after yourself—emotionally
Caring for someone, even someone you love, can be emotionally draining and there will be many times when maintaining a positive outlook will be difficult. The constant demands of caring and the changes a person’s illness brings to family life will bring about a range of feelings and emotions… Read more
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… Read more
Working and caring
Carers of a person with a terminal illness who wish to remain in their paid employment face many additional demands on their time and energy. Being able to work can be important to… Read more
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.