A NEW support service for families and unpaid carers of a loved one who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or is approaching the end of their life has been launched in Worcestershire.
Funded by the County Council, it brings together the palliative care team from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Association of Carers together with the county team to form an End of Life Carer Support Service.
It means experienced end of life carer advisors will be able to offer support to adult carers whose family member, friend or neighbour have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or approaching the end of their life.
They’ll tackle difficult conversations around advanced care planning and navigating health and social care services, in addition to the other challenges often faced.
They will also able to identify appropriate support for carers and explore practical needs and wishes as well as signposting other support services.
Avril Adams, Lead palliative and End of life care nurse, said: “We are delighted to be working together with Worcestershire Association of Carers to offer this essential service to the people closest to our patients.”
Jay Sanchania, end of life carer lead at the Carers hub, said “Our advisors can offer emotional support at this critical time, both before and after bereavement. We are working closely with the palliative care teams in hospitals and are extremely proud to launch this service.
“There are more than 63,000 carers in Worcestershire. Their dedication and compassion has a huge but often unrecognised value in reducing pressure on local health and care services. It’s fantastic that we can offer the support they need at such a difficult time.”
