Within Wigan Council Adult Services, Carers Support Team, there is a Carers Project Worker - Hospital Discharge and their aim is to help carers with any difficulties they have, while the person they care for is in hospital.
Valuing carers within a hospital environment
A carer is a person who looks after a family member, relative, partner, neighbour or friend who needs help due to ill health, weakness, disability, drug or alcohol misuse or mental health problems. They do not have to live with the person, nor do they have to be the only one who is doing the caring. They may be just beginning their carer journey or have been a carer for a number of years.
If you are looking after someone who is going into hospital or is already in hospital due to sudden illness or getting weaker, you may find this a very worrying and stressful time. There is support available for you and you are not on your own. We are working in partnership with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust to establish a Carer Project Worker within the hospital environment.
You may find it useful to think about:
- Have you been told what you need to know about their health problem and medication?
- Do you know how to look after them when they leave hospital?
- Do you know who to contact if you need more help?
- Have you been involved in any discussions about their care whilst they are in hospital and about what will happen when they leave hospital?
- Have you been given a choice in whether or not you are able to provide support and care?
Before the person you support leaves hospital, you should be asked whether you need information and support to help you care for them. Information and support such as:
- Money awarded to carers
- Welfare Benefits Advice
- Carers Assessment
- Free Sitting Service
- Training and Education
- And much more ……….
If no one has talked to you about these things and you would like more information, you can pick up a self referral card from the ward or download a referral card and post it to the Carers Support Team.
