For family, friends and carers
Cancer affects the people around the patient too. These practical ideas help you offer useful support while respecting the person's choices, privacy and independence.
Ask what would help today. Give the person time to answer, and avoid forcing optimism or comparing their experience with someone else's.
You could say
“Would you like me to listen or help think through options?”
“What feels hardest today?”
Concrete offers are easier to accept than ‘let me know if you need anything.’ Respect a no, and check before taking over a task.
You could say
“Can I bring a meal on Thursday?”
“Would you like company at your appointment?”
Let the patient decide who receives updates and what is shared. Include them in conversations rather than speaking about them as if they are not present.
You could say
“What would you like me to share with the family?”
“Would you like to answer, or should I help?”
Rest, food, movement, and time away are part of sustainable caring. Ask another trusted person to cover specific tasks before you become overwhelmed.
You could say
“Who can share one task with me this week?”
“What is one small break I can protect today?”
Know where the care team's urgent instructions are kept. If the person has a new or rapidly worsening symptom, seems very unwell, has severe difficulty breathing, or you are worried about immediate safety, follow those instructions or seek emergency care.
PULSE does not monitor messages or contact the care team automatically.
A note about PULSE accounts
Nothing entered into a PULSE profile, check-in, blood-test record or report is shared with family automatically. The patient decides whether to show or print their report.