This involved:
- a review of literature looking at the information needs of carers of the terminally ill
- a questionnaire to gather information on existing services and information resources to support carers of the terminally ill.
Checklist
We found that carers needs information on a wide range of areas, including:
- financial benefits
- employment rights of the carer and patient
- legal issues, such as Wills and power of attorney
- nutrition and diet
- practical support, including respite and day care
- equipment and accessibility
- information about the cared for person's illness
- symptom management
- medication, including side effects
- pain management.
Carers also need information about:
- their own health and how to look after themselves
- befriending services
- support groups
- counselling on stress, coping, relationships and crisis management
- emotional and spiritual support
- support caring for someone who is dying
- funeral planning
- bereavement support.
You can download a checklist of the information needs of carers of the terminally ill.
Further information
We have produced a two-page briefing document about our research into the needs of carers. You can also download a poster about the investigation into the information needs of carers which was presented at the Hospice Care conference in October 2007.
