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The person you care for may have spiritual needs that are just as important as their physical needs. These may not be religious concerns as such but might include finding meaning in one’s life and ending disagreements with others. The person might find peace by resolving unsettled issues with friends or family. Visits from a social care worker or counsellor may help with this. However, the person you care for may find comfort in their faith. Praying, talking with someone from one’s religious community (such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or imam), reading religious texts, or listening to religious music may bring comfort. An outline of spiritual and religious practices (PDF) relating to end of life care and different faiths. Things to think about Talk to the person about the importance of your relationship with them. If caring for a parent you may want to share how they have…

All carers need to recharge their batteries including young people! It is so important when caring for a person in your family approaching the end of life or if coping with bereavement that you look after yourself too. It is important not to feel guilty about it. Do something you love So what helps you feel less stressed or anxious? It’s important to pick something you love doing. Here are some ideas to get you thinking: Exercising and sports, for example, football, cycling, or running Drawing or painting, for example, you could paint a picture to show how you feel Playing… you may have as a result of your caring role. For tips and advice as well as hearing from young people about their experiences of seeing a GP. Eat well Healthy Eating is also important because getting the right nutrients helps to keep your energy and concentration levels up. A poor diet can also…

able and willing to provide is likely to alter as the person’s care needs change. Consider the nature of your caring role and what you want it to look like towards the end of the person you care for life for example focus on shared activities, and creating memories rather than providing hands on care… and there is no suitable back-up carer, contact your local social care team. They can arrange for a paid care worker to come to the person you care for home or arrange for them to go into a care home, nursing home, or hospice. Ask for a carer’s assessment . The person you are caring for can also… a decision now doesn’t mean it can’t be changed. Talking about how to pay for end of life care is an important consideration when discussing where to be cared for. There are lots of different sources of help with end of life care costs and sometimes it is difficult to work out what you may or may…

You may be trying to juggle a job with your caring role which is putting you under a lot of pressure and stress. There are statutory rights for carers under the Equalities Act 2010. As you are looking after someone who is terminally ill, you are protected from discrimination because of your caring responsibilities. This is because you are counted as being ‘associated’ with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability. This means your employer cannot treat you less favourably because of your caring responsibilities. For more information on these statutory rights and what to do if you think you are being discriminated against see Carers UK . Things to think about Decide if you want to tell your employer about your caring responsibilities. Although you may prefer not to, it’s worth bearing in mind that if you do tell them your employer can take into account…

housing will meet your family’s needs. For more general information about types of aids and equipment available to parents caring for a child with an illness/disabilities go to the Disabled Living Foundation website. Newlife is a charity for disabled children helps disabled and terminally ill…

Helpline on 0808 8088 100 for details of organisations that can help. The Carers Trust also provides a useful list of organisations providing holidays for carers and parent carers. The Family Fund is a UK charity which can provide Take a break grants to enable families caring for a disabled… care so that you can have a regular break from caring. Parent carer breaks should be built into the child and family care plan. Having a holiday or break for your child on their own or all together can make a massive difference to your quality of life and enables you to build important memories…

. If you are going to be caring for the person you need this information to care safely and appropriately. You may have to press for this information but be brave. Ask about side effects and how this might impact your caring role. Don’t automatically assume information is shared between the NHS, hospice, or care home. Talk to the person you care for about the importance of giving consent to share information (if they have mental capacity to consent) and check information has been passed between professionals. Ask about any training that might be available to help you with your caring role. …

. Technology There is a vast array of technology that can be used to assist you in your caring role, from everyday technology such as the use of a phone app to connect you to other carers in your family, to remote monitoring and medication management. Carers UK has information about different…

Adaptations can range in scale and cost. It might be as small as fixing an intercom or as large as an extension to the home. Your local social care team may give financial support for minor adaptations. You may also be entitled to financial help with more major adaptations via a Disabled Facilities Grant. Go to Funding end of life care for more information. Things to think about Make sure the equipment works not just for the person but also for you. Carers UK has a room by room guide on types of equipment that may or may not help. Any decisions about equipment and adaptations also need to take into account the risks to your own physical wellbeing, particularly where moving and handling of the person is involved. The carers moving and handling team are able to give you details on how to access a back care assessment by a back care advisor as well as training on how to move…

can help , including a large print and easy read guide. When the person is reaching the end of their life, doctors and nurses will advise on how best to minimise disturbance and distress and if some or many of the medications should be stopped as they will no longer be of benefit or are difficult… under control. Attached to the syringe is a long piece of plastic tubing with a small needle at the end, which is inserted under the person’s skin and secured by a dressing. The medication is then delivered very slowly into the arm or other suitable part of the body. A nurse will check the driver…