Table 1 Modules of the intervention “Being an informal caregiver – strengthening resources”
Module No. | Topic | Module content (examples) |
|---|---|---|
1 | Hands-on care: tips and strategies for providing care at home (nurse) | - Caring for a patient with progressive incurable diseases |
- Which symptoms to expect? | ||
- Handling different symptoms (e.g. loss of appetite, dry mouth) | ||
- Where to find further practical tips? | ||
2 | Getting prepared: Information about social and legal issues (social worker) | - Different types of care (e.g. outpatient palliative care, hospice) |
- Patient decrees and health care proxy | ||
- What financial assistance can I get and how? | ||
- Where to get further information? | ||
3 | Questions, uncertainties and concerns about grief and loss (grief counsellor) | - Grief and bereavement |
- What can I do for myself? | ||
- How can I support significant others? | ||
4 | Strategies to cope with own needs and emotions (art therapist/psychologist) | - Burden and needs of ICs |
- Fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, worries | ||
- Coping: double awareness | ||
- Practical exercises for finding and using own resources | ||
5 | Strategies for handling changes in the disease progression (physician) | - When does palliative care start? |
- (Non-)pharmacological therapies for managing different symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue) | ||
- Handling medications | ||
6 | Practical exercises for self-care and own physical well-being (physiotherapist) | - Importance of physical activity (caring for oneself is caring for others) |
- Practical tips for daily life | ||
- Movement and relaxation exercises |