1 To assess the needs of the patient and the family. Physical symptoms are important but psychosocial fears and anxieties are also explored as these are a source of distress to both the patient and the family.
2 To find ways of meeting these needs from within the team or by liaising with others such as hospital specialists or social service agencies.
3 To ensure that the patient's symptoms are well controlled. This will involve meticulous assessment, careful explanation about medications and frequent review.
4 To teach the family caregivers how to provide good care.
5 To provide an emergency call service so that help is available at any hour.
HOW DOES THE HOME CARE TEAM PROVIDE THIS SERVICE?
Most home care teams insist that the referral is made by the patient's doctor. This is to ensure that the team has adequate knowledge about the stage of the disease and about current and past treatments.
