CARER, FRIEND & FAMILY SUPPORT
Caring For Someone You Love
Caring for someone living with a life-limiting illness can be deeply meaningful, but it can also bring uncertainty, responsibility and change.
You may find yourself learning about medications, attending appointments, making practical arrangements and supporting your loved one emotionally — while trying to manage your own life and wellbeing.
Franklin Hospice is here for you too. We can offer guidance, information and support to help you feel more confident and less alone.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Practical Support When You Need It
Every caring situation is different. We can help you understand what support is available and make navigating care feel more manageable.
Understanding Care And What To Expect
We can help you understand the patient’s care plan, what support Franklin Hospice provides and who to contact when you have questions.
Our team can also help explain changes you may notice and give you practical guidance about caring for someone at home.
Navigating Services And Support
Healthcare and community services can sometimes feel complicated.
We can help connect you with appropriate services, community resources and practical assistance, and support conversations with other healthcare providers.
Looking After Yourself
Caring can be physically and emotionally demanding.
We encourage carers to look after their own wellbeing too and can connect you with counselling, support programmes and opportunities to talk with others who understand what caring can be like.
You Do Not Have To Manage Everything Alone
The needs of someone with a life-limiting illness can change over time — sometimes gradually and sometimes quickly.
If you are unsure about a new symptom, concerned that something has changed or simply do not know what to do next, please ask.
Our team can help you work out the next step, communicate with the right healthcare professionals and make sure the patient’s care continues to reflect their needs and wishes.
For patients already receiving Franklin Hospice care, after-hours clinical support is available when needed.
Not Sure Whether To Call?
It is always okay to ask. You do not need to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before contacting the team.
CONNECTION AND SUPPORT
Support Beyond Day-To-Day Caring
Franklin Hospice offers support for carers, family members and people who are bereaved. These programmes provide opportunities to connect with others, care for your own wellbeing and find support through grief and change.
Kōwhai
A welcoming space for carers and family members to connect with others who understand some of the challenges that come with supporting someone living with a life-limiting illness.
Kōwhai provides an opportunity to share experiences, receive information and encouragement, and spend time with others in a supportive environment.
A welcoming space for carers and family members to connect with others who understand some of the challenges that come with supporting someone living with a life-limiting illness.
Kōwhai provides an opportunity to share experiences, receive information and encouragement, and spend time with others in a supportive environment.
Walk Your Way Through Grief
Grief can feel isolating, and connecting with others can help.
Walk Your Way Through Grief combines gentle exercise, fresh air, conversation and companionship in an informal and supportive setting for people who have experienced the death of someone important to them.
Bereavement Support
Our support does not end when someone dies.
Everyone experiences grief differently. Franklin Hospice can offer a range of bereavement support, which may include individual counselling, telephone support, groups, information and resources, and connection with other appropriate services.
AFTER A DEATH
There Is No Right Way To Grieve
When caring ends, life can suddenly feel very different.
Some people feel intense sadness straight away. Others experience relief, exhaustion, numbness, uncertainty or a mixture of emotions.
There is no set timetable for grief.
Franklin Hospice can continue to support family members and loved ones before and after a death through counselling, groups, information, resources and appropriate referrals.
You do not have to work through grief on your own.
Support is available when you are ready.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Supporting You While You Support Someone You Love
Whether you have questions about caring for someone at home, need help navigating support, want someone to talk to or are coping with grief after a death, Franklin Hospice is here to help.
You do not have to carry everything by yourself.