The Lincolnshire project's 'support for carers' workstream is designed to provide practical and emotional support for carers, who play a vital role in a patient's choice to die at home. The primary aim is to increase confidence in carers and help to decrease feelings of fear and isolation. The worksteam also aims to empower carers to deal with the different situations that may arise when caring for someone with a terminal illness, and prevent instances where the patient might be admitted to hospital inappropriately.
To achieve this, Marie Curie Cancer Care is working closely with St Barnabas Hospice to make its excellent support services for carers more widely available across the county. The groups give carers a chance to meet others in similar situations, and provide practical training in patient care and strategies for coping.
The first support group in Gainsborough attracted 41 carers over the first six months, and the initiative has since been extended to Lincoln, Sutton-on-Sea, Boston and Spalding.
Margaret, who attends one of the support groups, said:
"Coming to the support group is like taking a holiday. I can get dressed up, which makes me feel good, and I really look forward to it."
Marie Curie Cancer Care is also working closely with St Barnabas Hospice to identify areas where carers would benefit from training, such as giving bed baths or using a hoist to help a patient get out of bed.
