Carers work "because of love and respect"

The package, Caring for Carers, is available in print, on CD and online.

People looking after someone with a terminal illness have "extremely high levels of unmet need and distress", says the charity.

The guide covers legal and financial matters and nursing techniques, and stresses the carers' own welfare.

"Looking after someone who has a life threatening illness may be the most difficult task you have ever undertaken," says the section of the guide entitled Caring for Yourself.

Coming to terms with life as a carer can bring forth feelings "which you may not have experienced before," the guide also says. It warns that anger or resentment can be engendered, and urges the carer to make sure they get enough time and recreation of their own.

Part of the team

"Avoid over-reaching," says the section on turning a patient in bed, "It will damage your back and then what?"

Carers may not even consider themselves as such, the guide acknowledges. The task they undertake is often carried out because of love and respect for the person they care for.

But accepting the role of carer means a person "will be regarded as part of the caring team, and it will enable you to get support and advice".

Help the Hospices quotes a study that found the chances of someone aged between 30 and 54 being a carer for someone older will increase by nearly 90% by 2037.

Meanwhile, strain, crisis and illness among carers are the principal reason for unplanned patient admissions, it adds.

And though some financial support is available from the government, people often do not know what they are entitled to or how to claim it. It is estimated that �660m worth of carers' allowance goes unclaimed each year.

"Caring for Carers fills a much-needed gap for greater support and information," commented Help the Hospices Director of Development Nick Pahl.

Backed by internet shopping service Tesco.com, the information package stresses the importance of the web in lightening carers' load, with a sizeable section on the possibility of getting groceries and other items delivered to the door.