Some carers would have liked peer support groups within the services that provided care for their loved ones , and for services to consider how they provide carers with information . For example , providing simple , more visual formats , rather than lengthy documents .”
Some carers would have liked peer support groups within the services that provided care for their loved ones , and for services to consider how they provide carers with information . For example , providing simple , more visual formats , rather than lengthy documents .”
According to Carers UK , 61 % of carers report they need more support to look after their own health and wellbeing ( Carers UK 2023 ). Occupational therapists are in a good position to be part of this support . We can build positive and meaningful relationships with carers and take a lead in providing a proactive approach to carers ’ wellbeing and health .
Carers UK ( 2024 ) Carers Wales : Who are unpaid carers ? Available at https :// bit . ly / 3BYebBE [ accessed on 2 August 2024 ].
Carers UK ( 2023 ) State of Caring 2023 . The impact of caring on : health , November 2023 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 4gHfEeV [ accessed 2 August 2024 ].
Family Resources Survey ( 2024 ) Family Resources Survey : financial year 2022 to 2023 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3Potw1x [ accessed 2 August 2024 ].
Pysklywec A , Plante M , Auger C , Mortenson WB , Eales J , Routhier F , Demers L ( 2020 ) The positive effects of caring for family carers of older adults : a scoping review . International Journal of Care and Caring , 4 ( 3 ): 349-375 .
Words LISA WAIGHT , final year occupational therapy student at London South Bank University at the time of writing . Lisa is now working at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust lisa . waight @ slam . nhs . uk . With thanks to all the carers who contributed to this article
What can we do to support carers ?
There are lots of ways to support carers in our everyday working lives . Here are a few suggestions .
Educators :
• Invite carers to share their experiences with pre-registration students .
• Include carers when course planning : what would carers like students to know and learn ?
• Identify who is a carer within your student body and staff and offer tailored support .
Clinicians :
• Consider including a goal or objective within your annual appraisal that includes the health and wellbeing of carers .
• Find out who is / are the carer leads for your organisation .
Managers :
• Consider including carer awareness training within inductions and / or mandatory annual training .
• Find out who is commissioned to complete carers assessments ( the local council might have been outsourced this ).
• Recruit staff to carer champion roles ( a staff member who supports carers and acts as a contact point for information within the workplace ).
• Consider the needs of staff who are carers and be aware of legislation and entitlements , such as the new Carers Leave Act 2023 .
• Consider setting up a carer passport scheme www . carerpassport . uk /.
• Include carers within the co-production of policies and services .
Everyone :
• Locate your nearest carers centre / hub and investigate what they provide . Look into how to make a referral . Also , make a note of the contact details and share these with colleagues , other departments and a wider audience .
• Know what services are available for carers within your organisation , local area , and nationally .
• Be informed about new legislation and policies .
• Encourage carers to inform their GPs that they are an informal carer , so they can access targeted support .
• Establish who is a carer ; ask service users who is involved with their care and whether they themselves are caring for others .
28 OTnews January 2025