Health and wellbeing
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ours and your carers health and wellbeing is very important. Towards the end of life, those who are terminally ill and those close to them often become more aware of religious or spiritual beliefs.
You and/or the person you care for may find yourselves questioning your beliefs or taking comfort in them. Many faith communities have pastoral care teams, which can offer practical help and support.
You may find additional support through a counselling service, which you can access without charge. Your GP, hospice or local carers support service can provide more information.
Help and support is available through carers’ support services. This may be someone to help with practical tasks, such as meal preparation, housework or someone who can stay with you while your carer or family get some rest. It can also be someone to talk to.
Finances
You might need to think about how the situation will affect your finances or those of close relatives. If you and/or the person who is caring for you work, it is important to discuss your situation with your and possibly their employer.
You will need to determine what your contractual entitlements are around pay and leave.
Your carer may also be able to negotiate flexible working arrangements and/or leave to help you manage your situation.
Your local carers’ support service will be able to advise you and your carer about rights in the workplace.
You or your carer, may also be eligible for some financial support, either directly in the form of a benefit or payment or indirectly as a discount or service.
You may be entitled to a benefit such as personal independence payment, attendance allowance or carer’s allowance or a discount/exemption such as free parking via a blue badge or council tax discount.
Your local carers’ support service can provide you with information about entitlements to financial support and access to specialist advisors to help you apply.
You might find you need equipment, such as a special mattress, bed, aids to bathe or move around safely. These can be organised by an occupational therapist or community nurse. If you are unsure how to access them, ask your local carers’ support service or your GP.
You may also need help with practical things like transport, managing washing if you do not have a machine or even clothing if you have lost a significant amount of weight. Charitable grants are sometimes available, ask your local carers’ support service.
To access this help and receive further advice, your healthcare professional can refer you to a health and social care co-ordinator.
Leaving a legacy
If you want to leave something in your will to the NHS, you can donate to our charity, i care.
Email: kchft.charity@nhs.net or write to: i care c/o Communications Team, Trinity House,110-120 Upper Pemberton, Kennington, Ashford TN25 4AZ for more information, or speak to your solicitor about contacting us.