Guideline 6: Supporting carers' emotional & informational needs

To identify emotional needs:

• Remain alert to signs of distress, including statements, crying, distressed tone,
• Ask the family how they are coping.

To identify information needs:

• Look for cues from the family members, including direct questions and indirect statements,
• Ask family carers if they have any questions.

To meet emotional needs:

• Listen to the family carer,
• Validate their feelings and express empathy,
• Offer to refer to appropriate support services e.g. counsellor, psychologist, support groups.

To meet informational needs:

• Attempt to answer the family’s questions,
• Get the patient’s permission before discussing sensitive issues,
• Refer the carer to a health professional with the appropriate knowledge/training to answer specific questions.