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Carers are important partners in implementing patient care plans, helping to reduce hospital visits and delaying the need for entry into residential care.
Carers need support to maintain their own health so they can continue in their role as partners in patient care. Research indicates high levels of stress, reduced immunity and likelihood of physical injury among carers, as well as increased risk of depression and stroke.
If a carer’s health suffers, patients suffer too. This is avoidable, with the right support.
Many carers do not recognise themselves as carers and so do not seek support. Identifying and supporting carers early is cost effective and on-going help from Carers in Hertfordshire can prevent ill-health and a breakdown in care.
GPs and practice teams are ideally placed to identify carers. There are some ideas about identifying carers on our best practice page.
You can download a variety of free resources to help you, and other members of your surgery staff, understand the issues and give the right support. We have factsheets via this link – Factsheets – on a range of topics including a summary of our services at Carers in Hertfordshire, mentoring and the Carer’s Assessment.
You have it in your power to make an enormous difference.
