What is a carer?
A carer is the main person who usually provides unpaid care for a friend or family member who cannot cope without their support. This may be due to chronic illness, learning disability, dementia, physical disability, mental health condition or addiction.
Carers give support with tasks of daily living (such as washing and dressing) and communication, as well as social, emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
We believe that if you are caring for someone, you should be able to be with them when they need it the most, such as during a stay in hospital.
We want to make this as easy as possible for you. We can provide exemption from normal visiting times, helping you to be with the person you are caring for as much as you would like, regardless of ward visiting hours.
Working in partnership with carers
If you are a carer of a patient on one of our wards, please tell us. You can help us plan your loved one’s care and get to know them better.
This may be by filling in a ‘This is me’ (for people with dementia) document, or a ‘Hospital passport’ (for people with learning disabilities. You could also bring in a few photos and objects that your relative/friend likes to help them feel more at home.
If you would prefer not to leave original photographs at the hospital, we can photocopy them. For more information, please speak to the ward staff.
This is your opportunity to talk about your own needs, as well as what could make caring easier for you. Some things you need to think about before your assessment:
- Do you get enough sleep?
- Is your health affected in other ways?
- Are you able to get out and about?
- Do you have any training or educational needs?
- Do you get any time for yourself?
- Are your other relationships affected?
- Do you want information about benefits?
Information about needs assessments can be found on the Hampshire County Council website or you can telephone them on 0300 555 1386. Alternatively, if the person you care for is an inpatient, ask the ward staff for a referral to the hospital’s social work team.
Carer passport scheme [Carers UK]
Some of the carers support organisations offer Emergency Planning for Carers where support is provided to help carers draw up their own emergency plan. This plan will be activated should there be an emergency and the carer is unable to fulfil their caring role.
As a carer, it is important that you take care of yourself – this can be very positive both physically and emotionally for you and for the person you are taking care of.
However, all too often carers can be so preoccupied with the health and wellbeing of the person they are caring for, that their own needs take a back seat. This means that carers can end up needing to be looked after themselves.
If you are a carer, make sure that you tell your GP, as he/ she will be able to offer you additional help and support.
NHS England have produced a booklet that you may also find useful. You can view it on their website.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) have published guidance on supporting adult carers. Visit their website for further information.
Bristol Stool Chart [NHS England]
Tackling constipation [NHS England]
Alzheimer’s Society
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Carers Trust
Telephone: 0300 772 9600 (for details of your nearest Carers Trust Network partner)
Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire
Telephone: 01264 835246
