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When a person receives a terminal diagnosis it can create a wide range of emotions for them and you as their family carer. You and the person may feel angry, may feel it is unfair, may feel sad, shocked, or in denial. Living with a terminal illness can sometimes make family relationships diffic…

Equipment Equipment can be bought directly from a specialist supplier or household shop without an OT assessment. This might include more minor equipment items such as a raised toilet seat, pressure mattress, bath hoist, over bed table, wheelchair, crutches, or a hospital style bed. If not having an OT assessment it is best the person tries it out first either as a trial period in the home or the store, particularly if it is an expensive item. You, as the carer, also need to ensure it is safe to use and not putting your own health at risk. If the equipment proves helpful you can still arrange for a social care assessment to see if the person would be eligible for financial help. Equipment such as a hospital bed, mattress, or commode can be provided by your local community nursing team. The person’s GP can make a referral to the nursing team and they will come to the home to assess…

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 Faciliti…

Whilst the person you care for is still able to swallow, tablets or liquid medicine will continue to be prescribed by their GP. If the person wishes you to help administer their medication then make sure you are giving the medicines at the right time of day. If you are giving them at the wrong ti…

Here’s a summary of how you and the person you care for can work together to get their financial affairs in order in preparation for end of life. It explores what funding sources are out there to support the person you care for, as well as you as their carer. Getting financial affairs in order …

Organs can only be donated if the person you care for dies in hospital, usually in intensive care where the blood can be kept circulating. However, tissue (such as bone, skin, heart valves, corneas, and many others) can be donated up to 48 hours after a death which does not necessarily occur in…

but if this is not possible due to distance of your family member or friend be sensitive to the impact the news may have on them. Sometimes rehearsing what you are going to say can help. Make sure you have enough time to be with the person or to speak on the phone and that you are in a safe and confidential setting. Make… their emotions and to be in a safe environment with family and friends around them. It is important for the child to know the person has died and the person’s death to be explained to the child in words that are age appropriate. Allow the child to see the body if this is what they want to do…

The Easy Read Guide helps people with learning disabilities stay safe from scams.…

If you prefer to get support from outside the family or your family network there are a range of different organisations and charities offering bereavement information both online and in print. These include: Cruse Bereavement Care Marie Curie Macmillan Cancer Support The Loss Foundation Age UK Surrey If you like to interact with others online there are several online communities that you can go to which are completely confidential and safe. You may have to set up a username and password. Many charities have these, including Marie Curie . You may like to talk to someone but don't want to leave your home, so there are also several telephone support lines and web chats that you can use. These include Marie Curie , Samaritans , and Cruse Bereavement Care . The Brigitte Trust run free structured 8-week bereavement programmes with a professional facilitator for anyone…

Find out about major adaptations Adaptations can help people stay in their own homes safely and for longer.