Being a carer is something people do not plan to do. If your partner has been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease the demands of caring will increase over time. For some people diagnosed with an asbestos related disease the decline is gradual, for others decline occurs in a matter of months or weeks.

Looking after yourself

Asking and accepting help can be difficult. In part this is due to past beliefs carers are selfish if they consider the needs of anyone other that the person being caring for. Fortunately in recent years there is growing community awareness of the needs of carers – for you to carry out your role as a carer you must maintain your own physical and emotional health. This may involve asking for assistance with day-to-day caring, taking time off from your caring duties and having a short time away from the person you are caring for.

Some of the health services you can access may include

• Palliative care teams; most large hospitals have teams of specialists to provide both in-hospital and out-patient care to relieve pain and provide symptom control;
• Specialist teams include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pastoral carers, social workers, bereavement counsellors and volunteers;
• Carer Resource Centres;
• Community Carers Respite Services.

Care at home

The aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms, reduce complication and improve quality of life. This may include dietary changes, drug and oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, daily physical activity (or passive exercises).

Tips to stay well

• Stay away from people with coughs and colds
• Ask friends not to visit if they are sick
• Wash hands frequently
• Eat a well balance diet (now is not the time to loose weight)
• Take it easy – rest when needed
• Ask your doctor for flu vaccination