ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on work with care of families in the palliative phase of a person's illness, family care must begin at the time of diagnosis and treatment. Families who do not receive adequate information and support in the early phases of the person's treatment have more needs and less confidence in the health-care system, and cope less well than families who have been supported throughout the illness. The greatest concern for families is to know that the patient is comfortable and not suffering. Family members need to receive information about illness and about how to care for the person. Practical advice and focused information provided by nurses is particularly useful in managing the day-to-day challenges of providing palliative care at home. Families feel the burden of providing ongoing care, and need practical assistance. Families should be advised of the importance of accepting their own emotional needs as being legitimate and valid.
