It takes a village to care, is the old adage. Family, friends, church groups, neighbours, schools and support groups are all playing an important role in helping people to care for the dying at home.

“I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of everyone here,” said Leanne, a participant in the ARC Caring at end of life study who cared for her loved one at home in his final weeks.

 Associate Professor Debbie Horsfall and a team of researchers from the University of Western Sydney, Calvary Centre for Palliative Care Research ACT, CSIRO and Cancer Council NSW are currently conducting research with carers in order to better understand what happens when people come together to care. The team has already spoken with health professionals and end of life service providers and now they want to talk with carers. 

Associate Professor Horsfall says, “We hope the research will inform palliative and public health policy, with the aim of positively impacting carers and caring practices, giving dying Australians a supportive, loving and more meaningful death in the place they choose.”

If you have cared for someone who died at home in the past two years we would be interested in talking with you about your experience of being supported by friends and family. 

Please contact Niki Read for more information on 02 4736 0368 or email: n.read@uws.edu.au. The project website can be found at www.caringatendoflife.wordpress.com.

Source: Caring at end of life website (http://caringatendoflife.wordpress.com)