I am caring for someone

Medication

PCP staff can answer questions about medications used in palliative care. Scripts for medications come from your GP or treating specialist.

Taking prescribed pain medication can improve how you feel and doesn’t mean you become addicted.

Lots of people manage their medications without help. It is important though for another person to understand what the medication is for, when it is taken and how much. If things are getting harder try:

 

  • If you are worried about medication and the effect it is (or isn’t) having on a person, then PCP needs to know.
  • If the person who is unwell is having difficulty swallowing their medication, please discuss with a PCP nurse.
  • Have a list of medications and times to be taken.
  • Write down when extra medication (especially pain medication) is taken.
  • Use medication packs prepared by your pharmacist/chemist. Then check they are still being taken correctly.
  • Make sure similar-looking medications (especially liquid ones) are kept apart. You don’t want liquid pain and bowel medication being mixed up!

Bereavement Programs

Bereavement can be a difficult time – often a time of significant personal adjustment. Grieving is a very individual process, with the needs of each person being different and possibly changing over time. PCP offers grief and bereavement programs that assist with the loss and grief experiences both pre and post death.

Bereavement support services are provided both regionally and through the home-based care teams. Staff providing bereavement support are qualified and experienced counsellors, psychologists, pastoral care workers and social workers. All have experience dealing with bereavement issues.

Dying

Dying and saying goodbye is hard.

 

Emotional Support:


Many people use words like battle, fight, struggle and supportive care before someone dies, then words like passed on, left us.

There is no right or wrong way to say things but try and be open before someone dies, to give them the chance to say things their way.

It is OK to say someone is dying. It is hard but honest.

 

Ideas to help you cope:

 

  • Accept help that is offered.
  • Restrict the number of people calling in. While their visit can be welcomed, it can be tiring.
  • Have a family roster so you can get some rest.
  • Share the care amongst family.
  • Let friends help – use your own community connections.