Consultation Four - Carer/Family

The carer consultation should be used to investigate carer health risks secondary to carer burden (check the Carer Burden Scale) and appropriate management strategies.

Carer and family support during the diagnosis stage should include the following:

• Recognition and acknowledgment of partner/family/carer perspective for informing assessment and diagnosis
• Informed of process and timeline for further assessment and diagnosis
• the Practice nurse providing advice and information on support services to assist with understanding the trajectory of dementia and the range of information and support/home care services available to support informed decision making and appropriate planning. For example:
  • Alzheimer’s Australia – Living with Dementia Programs
  • Carer support groups
  • Legal services (e.g. Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Care Planning/Directive)^[1]
  • Community services - Home and Community Care (HACC)

At the end of this consultation the impact of carer burden is understood by the carer. Management strategies are in place and include providing information for the carer's primary GP.