“Who Supports You?” – Carers Rights Day 2021
This year Carers Rights Day is 25 November 2021, a day focused on raising awareness of the rights of unpaid carers. We spoke to Liz Carter, our Wellbeing & Community Development Lead about the importance of recognising the work of carers and understanding what help and support is available.
Identifying those with caring responsibilities
“Almost all of our patients have someone in their lives that ‘cares’ for them. They may not identify themselves as a ‘carer’, they may describe themselves as a husband, a wife, a friend, son, daughter, niece, nephew but they have so many roles –
pharmacist, cook, personal shopper, dietician, confidante, chaplain, personal assistant, cleaner, administrator, housekeeper, driver and so much more.The more we can recognise what carers do for their loved ones, the more they feel valued and listened to.”
Carers are part of #TeamStCH
“It often feels like carers are part of our team. They give us updates, report on their loved one’s medication and symptoms, and let us know when things are changing. But doing all of this can also feel a real pressure for carers as most are not medically trained and never expected to be in this position.”
- Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
- 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
- Two thirds (67%) worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.
– Carers UK report, Caring behind closed doors
Carers are part of #TeamStCH
“It often feels like carers are part of our team. They give us updates, report on their loved one’s medication and symptoms, and let us know when things are changing. But doing all of this can also feel a real pressure for carers as most are not medically trained and never expected to be in this position.”
“Who Supports you?”
By asking each patient we’re working with ‘who supports you?’ it allows us to reach out to their carer, ask how they are and find out what’s important to them personally
We can then support them to access services provided directly by the hospice such as welfare advice, or external to us, such as local Carer Support Services and the Carers Health Team who can support them with knowing their rights.”
If you’re looking after someone who is unwell or have been caring for someone who has since died, you may find you’d like a little support of your own.
Liz says, “we’re currently recruiting a Carer Support Worker who will work directly with and for our carers, supporting them to address their practical and emotional needs.” We can help give you the strength to face the challenges ahead.
To find out more about our range of services in place to help our carers, see our Carer Support area on our website.
Downloadable Resource: If you’re caring for someone or would like further information on the rights of carers, Carers UK’s Looking after someone guide gives an overview of the practical and financial support available.
