Carer Gateway
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Overview
If someone you care about has advanced cancer, you may be wondering what this means for you.
Some people live with advanced cancer for a long time, so your caring role might not change straightaway. For others, your responsibilities as a carer may become more complex quite quickly.
The information below explains what to expect and how to still look after yourself while caring for someone with advanced cancer.
Adjusting to the news that someone has advanced cancer can be difficult and the carer's role can sometimes feel overwhelming, but support is available. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About caring for someone with advanced cancer
Caring for someone with advanced cancer often brings new questions and challenges. Find out what the prognosis means and how important it is to avoid carer burnout.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care supports people with advanced cancer and the carers who look after them. Learn how it can help improve quality of life at any stage of the illness.
Support for carers
Learn about the common issues you may face as you care for someone with advanced cancer, the people who can help and where to find more information.
Looking ahead
You may want to talk to the person you are caring for about their wishes for their future health care. Learn how to start the conversation and the legal documents you may need.
Caring at the end of life
It can be confronting to think about, but it is important to plan for where and how the person with advanced cancer wants to die, and what to do if they are in distress.
Ways to say goodbye
A life-limiting illness gives people the chance to say goodbye. They may want to visit a special place, create a memory box, or plan their own funeral.
When the person you care for dies
Everyone mourns in their own way, but it is common to feel a range of emotions before and after the person dies. Learn where to find support if the grief feels overwhelming.
Relevant support
Palliative Care Australia
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Palliative care
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