Advice for friends and family

You may be feeling anxious, depressed or lonely right now. It’s important to consider your own needs, as well as those of the person you’re caring for.

It’s common for people to lose their appetite when they’re ill, but it can be upsetting to see people we care for refuse food. 

Everyone’s experience of caring for someone is different, and there's no right or wrong way to feel

You may be wondering where your loved one should spend their final days. This guide might help you both to decide.  

If you can’t spend face-to-face time with your loved one, there are other ways that you can enjoy being together.

People with dementia can struggle to understand complex sentences. Speak clearly, smile, maintain eye contact and keep sentences short.

Feeling stressed or anxious and looking for something to relieve the tension? Watch this video from Hospiscare Complementary Therapist, Helen, to discover some techniques that might help.

Whether you're a patient, family member or a member of the public, these videos are designed to help you take a moment to consider your own wellbeing. Have a browse below to find a session to suit you.

Each person’s experience of the last few days of life will be different and it can be difficult to predict exactly what will happen or how quickly any changes will occur.

It can be difficult to know what to say when someone is dying. You may want to share memories or discuss your loved one’s wishes.

Everyone experiences grief differently. It’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness and shock, to anger.

If you need guidance on arranging a funeral or registering a death, please do take a look at our step-by-step guides. They offer practical information that you might find useful at this time.