What is the Informed Guide?
It can be tricky to know what to do when caring for a loved one who is dying. The Informed Guide is there to empower you to care for your loved ones in their final days of life. The guide is there to lessen the anxiety of “I don’t know what to do”. It is presented as a suite of ‘pick up and put down’ materials presented in both video and written format.
We say ‘pick up and put down’ because the materials don’t have to be used from beginning to end, in one go. It’s not meant to be a training course, and it acknowledges that everyone learns in different ways. The idea is that you will be able to get straightforward, practical information, as and when you need it.
Find out more about Hospice in the WealdWho is the Guide for?
We use the term ‘family caregiver’ to describe the people who will be looking after their loved ones. The guide can be used by anyone caring for someone at the end of their life, in their home, a hospital or hospice. It exists to help you feel more confident and empowered to be a part of your loved ones' care.
How do I use the videos?
Everyone learns in different ways. Some people prefer a video but some like text – and some like both! The guidance in the video is just the same as what’s contained in topic pages on this website, and in the printed booklets. It’s in all these formats to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. When watching the video, you might want to watch it at home and then refer to the written guide while you’re looking after your loved one. You might want to load the videos on to your tablet or laptop and refer to them while you’re caring for your loved one. The videos are available on the topic pages on this website, or on USB.
Why is it called the Informed Guide?
The title acknowledges that there is a lot of uncertainty at end of life, and that that uncertainty can lead to feelings of anxiety and worry. By helping family caregivers feel and be more ‘informed’ about what end of life can bring for our loved ones, and for those around them, we can reduce and balance that uncertainty. It cannot be removed entirely but it can be managed.
The guide is in three parts – how does this work in terms of guidance and information?
There’s this introduction, then a section on caring for your loved one, and finally a section about family caregivers looking after themselves too. Looking after yourself is important because you are less likely to care for your loved one well if you don’t care for yourself and get tired and stressed – sometimes your stress can affect your loved one.
Click or tap 'see the guides' below to view the list of all the guides. Or, click 'how to use' to read advice on how to use the guides first.
See the guides How to use