We provide holistic care, which means that we not only look after the person who is ill but also the carer (or carers) who provide their care at home. 

A carer can be a member of the family or a friend and we believe that you need support as well.  This may be practical advice or emotional support.

We can offer the following support (either on a one-to-one or group basis):

• medical and nursing teams are there to listen and answer your questions
• complementary therapies (such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki and indian head massage)
• relaxation techniques  
• spiritual care (this could be religion or whatever makes life meaningful to you as an individual)
• counselling and post-bereavement support
• welfare advice (financial and practical)

If you are a carer and you would like to find out more about any of the above, please talk to your St Catherine's nurse.

We run a carers pampering morning on the second Friday of the month in our lovely Day Services Department in Crawley.   Come and join us for a relaxing therapy; have your nails or hair done, or (if the weather is good enough) just sit in the beautiful gardens for a coffee and a natter with others in a similar situation.   For more details contact Jane O’Donnell on 01293 447317.

The national initiative of Carers Week takes place each year in June to recognise the care undertaken by those closest to people with life-limiting conditions.  We arrange a programme of events at the hospice to highlight and celebrate the contribution made by carers.

 A carer shares her experience of caring for her husband with the support of St Catherine's.