ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with how doctors can support an adult carer, but the concept is just as relevant to the young adult and child. The carer is Mary. Doctors will be sensitive to and really hear what Mary's world is like. The carer is someone who, through a relationship with Tom, can recognise his value as a human being and so restore his spirit and sense of self-worth. The stress and tension that results from bottling up these feelings often give rise to anger and an acute sense of helplessness. Young adults and children also feel many of the feelings experienced by adult carers. The establishment of this accepting, supporting relationship is absolutely fundamental to the work doctors do to accompany someone in Mary's position through this turbulent time. Having faith in who doctors truly are and the confidence to simply be human is the key to supporting the carer.
