Getting care and support for your family member

Many people live a long way from their hospital or care for their family member at home, so it’s important to be aware of local services in the community. For example, you might need help from a community nurse at home. These services support families as well as people who are ill, so make sure you ask for support if you need it.

You may also want to think about social care, and if you may need help from a care worker at home. Care workers can help with everyday care, including washing, dressing, or housework such as cooking, cleaning or shopping.

It can sometimes take time to organise care and support at home, so try to find out what is available in your area before you need it. Your family member’s GP can help you with this. Community services often provide access to practical support, such as equipment or transport to the hospital.

If you are caring for someone with pancreatic cancer, one of the best ways you can help is by knowing a bit about symptoms and what to do to help. Common symptoms include pain, problem with eating and digesting food, feeling extremely tired and feeling or being sick.

People will get different symptoms at different stages of their cancer. It can help if you know about the main symptoms, what to do about them and where to get help if you need it.

We have information on different symptoms and side effects and how these can be managed.