Who, how long and where?
Who should attend the program?
The program is designed to assist primary family carers of patients receiving palliative care in an in-patient hospital or hospice setting. By primary family carers we mean a person (or persons) who usually provides primary support for the patient at all levels of need. This may be the patient’s partner, child, another family member or a friend.
While the program is aimed at the primary family carer, anyone assisting in the care of the patient may participate. Indeed, during the evaluation phase of the project, an entire family attended a session and found it to be beneficial.
The program should be conducted with a minimum of three carers and a maximum of eight carers.
How much time does the program take to deliver?
The program takes approximately two hours to deliver, although this may vary depending on the number of carers in the group and how much each carer wishes to say.
Where should the program be conducted?
The program is designed to be conducted within the hospital or hospice. When choosing a space to conduct the program, try to find a place that ideally:
- is private and pleasant
- has coffee/tea facilities
- can be regularly reserved
- has audio visual equipment
- has nearby toilets
- has comfortable furniture that can be easily rearranged.
