Caring at home for a loved one with a serious illness can be both very daunting but also very rewarding. Hearing the news that someone you love is ill and the prognosis is not good can be very upsetting. Often people do not know where to turn for help and information. Discharge from hospital can happen before a care plan is put in place and families can find it difficult to know where to access the necessary equipment such as a special bed or mattress, oxygen or other necessary items.
It can be helpful to arrange a meeting with the doctor or nurse in charge to identify what is the best way forward. A Care Plan can be put in place in consultation with the G.P., Public Health Nurse and Palliative Home Care Nurse. Other services may need to be recruited such as Care Assistants, Home Helps, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Support Services, Physiotherapists, Friends, Neighbours and other relevant help.
It can be helpful to draw up a rota of carers for day and night times. This can be padded out with the employment of care and nursing assistants if necessary to allow family members time to rest and eat. A grant may be available from the HSE for this. We can advise you on this.
Our regular programme of Home Support for families and Home Visits continues. This service offers time out to allow the family time to rest or attend to other household chores etc. We also offer counselling and complimentary therapies in the home at the request of the family or visiting nurse, doctor or clergy. This service is offered to all family members.
Helpful hints:
Keep a list of medication kept close at hand for visiting medical personal and carers.
Keep a list of phone numbers of doctor, nurse, clergy, carers etc.
Keep a daily log book of symptom changes, visits/comments by doctor etc and medication changes can be a good source of referral and record.
If we can support you or someone you know, please contact us on 01-2866966, our Cancer Support Centre is open daily at Aubrey Court, Parnell Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
