• Offer family members and carers the opportunity for their needs (e.g. for support and information) to be assessed separately from those of the patient.
• Whenever possible and appropriate, invite family members and carers to be involved during clinical encounters and decisions about treatment and care (if this reflects the wishes of the person receiving palliative care).
• Family members and carers should be made aware of local sources of information, advice, and support, to address their own needs.
• Particularly address the needs of the family and/or carers at demanding times in the person's illness and when extra help may be needed.
• Consider that people of different ethnic backgrounds or cultures may have specific preferences regarding family involvement.
• The family can be helped by:
• Facilitating communication between the person and their family and health care professionals.
• Recognizing areas of stress in other areas (e.g. work, coping with children).
• Education to provide the skills and knowledge to provide the necessary aspects of care to enhance the person's comfort.
• Discussion of pain management to reduce anxiety regarding potential addiction or tolerance.
• Encouraging expression of fears, concerns, uncertainty, and emotional strain.
• Provision of information regarding the person's death and what to expect.

In depth