Caring for someone approaching their end of life and witnessing this end can have a significant impact on your own life. Just as you want the person you are supporting to be cared for and comfortable at this time, it is equally important to look after yourself. When we look after ourselves, we are better able to look after those we care for.
The PalAssist Caring for Someone Who is Dying factsheet outlines ways you can look after yourself and explores questions like, What if I can’t do this anymore? It also addresses changes to the family unit and accepting help.
At the end of life, we can also spend a lot of time just sitting at the person’s bedside. Carerhelp offer some practical tips on what you can do to take care of yourself whilst sitting at the bedside.
Caring for yourself can also include:
- asking for and accepting help
- accessing information so you know what to do
- accessing emotional support and someone to talk to/connect with
- accessing practical support to navigate this changed world
Caring for yourself yesources
Visit the following pages for carer supports and tips for caring for yourself.