For families and caregivers
Practical guidance for supporting a person while protecting dignity, safety and your own wellbeing.
Your role in care
Families often notice changes early, provide history and support treatment. Helpful involvement is collaborative: listen, share observations, encourage care and avoid taking over every decision that the person can make safely.
Communicating supportively
- Choose a calm time and use short, clear sentences.
- Describe what you have noticed rather than applying labels.
- Listen without immediately correcting or criticising.
- Acknowledge distress even when you do not agree with an interpretation.
- Offer specific help, such as arranging an appointment or transport.
Sharing information with clinicians
Record the timing of changes, sleep, medicines, substance use, functioning, risk and previous episodes. Clinicians can receive information from families even when confidentiality limits what they can disclose in return.
Supporting treatment
Help the person understand the plan, attend reviews where appropriate and report significant changes. Avoid coercive arguments over medicines; discuss adherence difficulties, adverse effects or doubts with the treating team.
Planning for difficult situations
Agree on early warning signs, preferred contacts, transport, medicine information and where to seek urgent help. Reduce access to highly dangerous means when risk is present and obtain professional advice promptly.
Caregiver wellbeing
Caregiving can affect sleep, work, finances and health. Set realistic limits, share responsibilities, keep your own medical appointments and seek support when overwhelmed. Caring for yourself improves the sustainability of care.
Need help deciding what to do next?
Speak with the Ahana Hospitals care team for guidance based on your needs and the services currently available.
Read caregiver guidance