As a patient or carer consider using the answering machine or messagebank to screen calls.
It is okay to only answer the phone when you feel like it. Alternatively, at times you may choose to switch it off altogether for awhile. You can easily spend all day and night returning calls which can be exhausting and emotionally upsetting a times.
Please don’t be offended if the patient doesn’t answer. Your messages are important just knowing you are thinking of them. Most of all don’t give up just because you didn’t get a reply. Remember this patient is sick and carer coping the best they can.
