Please be advised: the following information in this topic is meant to help prepare you and the patient if things get worse. Some people can find reading and talking about this type of information upsetting.
Thinking and talking about the future can be difficult – both for you and for the patient. It can feel hard to know when and how to start.
But thinking and talking about the future is important – it may help you and the patient be better prepared for what might happen.
‘Jim’, former carer to his wife
Within this topic you will find information that carers, patients and healthcare professionals have told us would be helpful for carers and patients to know and think about.
Information in this topic includes:
- advice on talking about the future with the patient, other family and friends
- common changes that might happen if the patient becomes more unwell (for COPD or for cancer)
- suggestions on ways to cope with these changes (for COPD or for cancer)
- advice on getting the best care for the patient, and support for yourself, if they become more unwell (for COPD or for cancer)
- the best ways to talk with your healthcare team and get the most out of appointments
- what to expect if the patient dies
Some carers may find it helpful to look at this topic with the patient – others may prefer to look on their own – do whatever is best for you.
‘Alice’, carer for her husband
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Page last reviewed: 08/05/2020
