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Most carers visit their GP, either with the person they care for, or because of their own health. GPs and practice staff are therefore crucial to carers getting the right help and information. GPs can help carers stay healthy by offering a regular health check to pick up on any health issues. They can also make sure that carers are ‘fastracked’ through the system by giving them priority access for ‘flu jabs, appointments and offering them a home visit if necessary.
One successful way of raising awareness of carers’ needs is to appoint a local ‘champion’ for carers. This is usually a senior professional who acts an an advocate for carers issues throughout health and social services, and helps to make sure carers’ services are funded properly and given priority by staff.
Read our case study on carer champions. more...
One in four carers carry out physically demanding tasks such as moving, bathing, lifting, and dressing. Carers often feel forced to “jump in at the deep end” by taking on tasks which professionals receive intensive training to perform. This can put their health at risk – many carers report back pain, stress and high blood pressure. Carers need training in skills such as lifting and handling, medication, challenging behavior, to help them cope with their caring role.
As part of the New Deal for Carers the Government is giving local areas funding to deliver ‘expert carer’ training. This will help them find out about their rights, what services are available, develop their advocacy skills and help them network with other carers to support their needs. Carers UK is part of a consortium which will be rolling out the programme. Expert Carers Programme
Many health professionals have little knowledge or understanding of what carers do - carers often experience confusion, hostility and rudeness from staff. This can be tackled through providing training in carer awareness to staff. A number of areas carers are getting involved in training health professionals - e.g. Oldham, Leeds.
Carers UK provides expert training in carer awareness to health professionals. more...
Carers are responsible for the day-to-day care of the sick or disabled person therefore they have a right to be consulted in making decisions about that person’s care and treatment. Some areas have got hospitals to draw up a 'Carers Charter' which describes the role of carers, how they should be involved. They are usually accompanied by training for staff.
Case study: Hospital discharge
Carers are often badly supported when the person they care for is discharged from hospital, leaving them feeling vulnerable and threatening the recovery of the cared-for person.
Carers UK has published a new guide for carers on what to expect when the person comes out of hospital. more...
Good practice example - St Thomas's Hospital, London
Carers should be fully consulted about how services should be run as they have plenty of experience and contributions to add. Many carers give up their time to sit on Partnership Boards, Community Care Forums and Strategy Groups to improve services for other carers. Health professionals should make it as easy as possible for carers to get involved e.g. by supporting and preparing them for the role, paying their expenses and taking account of their contributions.
New Local involvement Networks [LINks] give a greater opportunity for carers to have their say on local services. more...
Carers UK's 'Carers' Voices' training helps carers with communication and presentation skills and boosts their confidence for representing carers on local forums. more...
Page Last Modified: 01/07/2008
