RESOURCES
FOR FAMILIES
Resources for Caregivers
According to PALRAC, “A caregiver is anyone who helps someone with a long-term or serious illness. This support can include helping with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, doing daily chores, or going to the doctor. Anyone can be a caregiver (family, friends, neighbours, or paid helpers) and may/may not live with the sick or disabled person. Being a full-time caregiver can be very exhausting, and therefore, it is important to know when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Caregiver burden is the stress and strain a person feels when looking after a family member or loved one over time. It is quite common, with some studies showing that up to 60% of caregivers experience it. It's important to notice the signs of caregiver burden and take steps to avoid it while caring for a loved one.”
For a list of signs of caregiver burnout and guidelines as to what you can do about this, please access PALPRAC’s flyer below. This is followed by a list of other resources that may be of assistance to you.
PALPRAC Caregiver Support and Wellness Flyer (download)
Guidelines for managing specific conditions at the end of life (e.g. dementia, incontinence): https://palprac.org/palliative-care-for-me-patients-loved-ones/patient-and-family-resources/
Introduction to palliative care for caregivers course: https://apcc.org.za/introduction-to-palliative-care-course-for-caregivers/
Crossing The Creek: A practical guide to understanding the dying process (download)
The Grief Handbook - a practical guide written by a South African https://bridgetmcnulty.com/the-grief-handbook/
The Endwell Project - Guides for Caregivers: https://endwellproject.org/guides/caregiver/