Kingston Hospital offers a range of support and information for all unpaid carers.
We recognise there are also some unique differences for unpaid carers (such as a parent, sibling or friend) of people with a learning disability or autism.
We are committed to making sure you feel understood and supported while the person you care for is at the hospital.
While the person you care for is at the hospital
You may need to support the person you care for when they come to hospital. This could be for a one-off appointment or for admission.
During this time, you may wish to take a break from your usual caring activities, or you may wish to continue to help.
This can be a difficult time, with lots of uncertainty. Kingston Hospital staff can support you in different ways while the person you care for is at the hospital.
Carer's Agreement
Any member of clinical staff, or the Carers’ Clinical Liaison Practitioner, can help you design a Carer’s Agreement. This is a document which tells staff how much care (such as feeding, washing, dressing) you would like to give whilst the person you care for is in hospital. It also tells them which aspects of their care you would like the hospital to provide.
Carer’s Passport
You can ask the nurse in charge of the ward for a Carer’s Passport. This allows you to spend as much time as you like with the person you care for, during and outside of normal visiting hours. In certain circumstances, we can arrange overnight accommodation if you want or need to provide overnight care.
Discharge planning
As an unpaid carer, you have a right to be involved in all discussions and decisions about the discharge plan for the person you care for.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and get in touch with the organisations mentioned in the Support services section below.
Looking after yourself
You may find it difficult to look after your own needs whilst caring for someone else, particularly if they become agitated or distressed when you are not there. We encourage you to take time for your own needs.
Talk to the nurses if you feel you cannot leave the person you care for, even for a short while. They may be able to provide a fold-up bed and somewhere to shower.
Support services
We recognise that people with a learning disability or autism may have specific needs or strategies to help them cope with their hospital visit, and benefit from it.
There are lots of things we can do to help while the person you care for is visiting our hospital. We are here to listen and support you and our staff, if the person you care for needs any reasonable adjustments.
Try to get in touch with our support services as soon as you can. You may want to contact the Learning Disability Liaison Service or Carers Clinical Liaison Service (see below) before the person you care for comes into hospital for a planned appointment or procedure.
Learning Disability Liaison Service
This service helps ensure that people with a learning disability get the care they need when they need it. For more information visit: Information for people with a learning disability :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Carers Clinical Liaison Service
If you provide unpaid care for someone who is being treated at Kingston Hospital, you could benefit from our Carers’ Clinical Liaison Service. For more information visit: Information for people who care for others :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) provides free, confidential help and advice for patients, carers and families. They can help if you have a question or concern about any of our services. For more information visit: Patient advice and liaison service (PALS) :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Pastoral and spiritual support
Our pastoral and spiritual support team ensures that specific rites, ceremonies and sacraments are made available. For more information visit: Pastoral and spiritual support :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
All of these services and more are listed in the Kingston Hospital Patient Handbook. You can also find printed copies at the reception desk on each hospital ward.
Transport
You can find information on booking transport and claiming back transport costs for those who are eligible here: Patient transport :: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Your rights as a carer
As a carer you have a right to a Carer’s Assessment under the Care Act. This assessment is completed by social services or your local carer’s centre. Through this assessment, you can explore additional support that you may need.
- Carers UK has information on your rights as a carer.
- Carers Trust offers advice on resources and services for carers.
- Mencap has information on the key rights for carers who care for a disabled adult including an online helpline which offers advice or just a friendly ear.
For more resources see the Talk to someone section below.
Talk to someone
People often have mixed emotions when caring for someone. It is important to tell people if you are struggling. The more they know about your situation, the more they can help.
You may be able to find support through your local carers’ centre or through online chat forums including the following.
- Merton Mencap for Carer's Assessments through Mencap
- Richmond Mencap for people with a learning disability
- Mencap offers a Learning Disability Helpline
- Carers UK for members (free to sign up), information, advice and support for carers
- National Autistic Society for parents and carers of people with autism
- Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia and those close to them
- Macmillan for carers of people with cancer
- MIND for people struggling with their mental health
- MS Society for people with MS and their families
- Parkinson’s UK for carers of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s
- Sue Ryder if someone close to you has died
- Samaritans if you need to talk to someone about what you are going through.
Contact information
Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm