Overview of support for carers in palliative care

This topic addresses issues relevant to informal or nonprofessional carers, who are usually family members or friends and are not paid. ‘Family’ should be interpreted in the broadest manner—it includes whoever the patient says is important to them. For general information, see Family support in palliative care.

Often one or 2 people who are close to the patient provide most of the care and experience significant physical, mental and emotional challenges. By supporting the principal carer, healthcare professionals can ease the patient and carer’s suffering, and help the carer to manage what is often a difficult and stressful role. Carers who feel more prepared for the patient’s death and those who receive good support may have improved psychological outcomes in bereavementSchulz, 2015.

If a patient asks a person to provide care, it is up to that person to decide whether to accept the request. Healthcare professionals need to assess what a carer is prepared, or able, to do, and provide them with as much support as possible. While caregiving is usually accepted as part of being in a close relationship, some people can feel forced into this role; for example, a spouse who feels they cannot cope, or an estranged spouse or child. Caregiving may be an opportunity for reconciliation with estranged family members; however, renewing contact with estranged family is not always advisable.