This may make things easier...

Family members that look after those that are dying have one of the hardest jobs in the world, but it can also be the most rewarding. It takes someone very dedicated and caring to spend countless hours looking after someone very close to them when it's close to "their time".

Because it can be difficult, we thought we'd offer a few suggestions that may makes things a little easier. Most people that look after family members have no medical knowledge at all so even the little things can make a big difference.

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Mobility | Well-Being | Food

Mobility

• If the person you are looking after is sometimes unstable on their feet, it can be good to remove or just move mats on the floor. Even the slightest "lip" on a flat surface can cause a fall. Just rolling a mat and placing it against the wall can make things a lot easier to move for them.
• If they are having trouble bending or sitting in chairs, possibly because of hip problems, why not raise the chair a bit with some blocks. Of course you have to make sure the chair is still stable. A good idea, if it's still practical, is to place the chair against a wall so you know it can't slide back. Raising the chair means the person doesn't need to bend down as much to sit. You can get blocks for chairs from the Occupational Therapy Department at the Public Hospital.

Well-Being

• If your family member is suffering from incontinence, talk to the District Nurse or Hospice nurse  or phone the Incontinence Nurse at the Public Hospital and they'll give you free advice and incontinence products.
• A good idea, for any one that is going to be near the patient, carers or visitors, is to avoid perfumes or aftershaves. This may cause them to feel sick.
• You may find that the patient is in another room by themselves. If so, it's perfectly understandable to feel anxious and unsure that you won't be able to hear them when they may need help. You can use a battery powered door bell and give them the button or a baby monitor. Another option is if you have two reasonably new cordless phones there may be a Room Monitor option on them. This acts in a similar way to a baby monitor. Check the manual or have a look on the internet to see if your phones can do it.

Food

• Let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want. It may seem strange to you but having Fish and Chips for breakfast is not unheard of. Remember, sometimes eating can be difficult so when they request some weird and wonderful combination (banana and beetroot sandwich?), let them try it. It may be the only thing that won't make them feel sick!
• Don't force them to eat. The amount of food they eat will fall dramatically because they will be using less energy. Don't be alarmed if they don't feel like eating at all.