Mercy Health is caring for the carers.
It has started a support group, known as Tuesday Chats, for those with family members and loved ones in palliative care.
The group was launched last Tuesday during National Palliative Care Week.
Tuesday Chats will meet fortnightly at Werribee Mercy Hospital to give carers and medical staff opportunities to exchange information and discuss their experiences and coping strategies.
Carers involved with either the Gabrielle Jennings Centre for Palliative Care (a 12-bed inpatient unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital) or Mercy Palliative Care (a home-based palliative care service providing care to patients in their own homes or residential aged-care homes) are welcome to attend.
Gabrielle Jennings Centre nurse unit manager Deanne Layton said the support group’s discussions would be tailored to the needs of carers.
“We have identified a need for a dedicated palliative care support group for carers within our community,” Ms Layton said.
“Carers play a vital role in palliative care. However, they often put their needs last while they focus on the care of their loved one.
“A dedicated support group will give them the opportunity for some self-care each fortnight for at least 90 minutes.”
Call the Gabrielle Jennings Centre for Palliative Care on 8754 3731 for more details.
