The principles of supporting in end of life contexts
  1. The supporter is someone who will listen.
  2. The supporter will have an awareness of the palliative approach to care.
  3. The supporter appreciates the wider context of 'caring' and recognises that carers may have a variety of responsibilities.
  4. The supporter understands that they are part of a larger team of people involved in supporting the carer and the person being cared for.
  5. The supporter will be aware of their own knowledge and skills.
  6. The supporter and carers are clear about the supporters' role and that the relationship is constrained by professional boundaries and contractual obligations. The supporter will work within the scope of their own organisation's policies and procedures