important to discuss this with the hospital and teams involved with the person you care for. You need to be prepared for changes which may occur at home. This could be how it will affect your own health and well-being, introduction to private care into your home or even equipment to support a person.
patients, their families and their Carers and can be found in every hospital.
www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/patient-advice-and-liaison- services-pals Continence Care There may come a time when you or the person you care for will need some support around incontinence. Incontinence is a common condition caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold or release urine. It is characterized by the unintentional loss of control in releasing urine from the bladder. This can happen when the muscles that hold in urine or that support your bladder weaken enough to let urine leak out. Nerve damage can also prevent your brain from getting the message that it’s time to go. In some cases, some people will require the use of a catheter. The Incontinence Service in Northamptonshire are able to support with an assessment of needs as well as incontinence pads/underwear that will help. They will also help with catheter support. Their contact number is 0300 027 1360 , www.nhft.nhs.uk/continence Dentist There may be a time when Carers experience difficulty in accessing dental care for the person they care for, adult or child. NHFT has a county-wide Specialist Dental Service that provides support and treatment for patients who are unable to access the general dentist due to special needs, learning disabilities, significant health problems, or other issues. It does not provide specialist or advanced restorative care (for example, a crown treatment). The Specialist Dental Service offers: Specialist services – County clinics focus on treating people who need behaviour management while they have dental treatment. The team offer their service alongside general dental and hospital settings. They offer treatments like fillings, tooth extractions, and gum treatments. Dental Domiciliary Care – provided for patients who are unable to access one
When a person is in hospital:
• Let the hospital know you are a Carer or that you will be involved in their care planning process. • Some wards may have arrangements in place
for family members to spend more time on the ward assisting with feeding their loved one or generally supporting them. Make sure you ask if this is the case.
Each hospital will have their own discharge policy, ask for a copy of this
• Hospital wards can sometimes seem like busy places and you may feel pressure from the hospital to get the person you care for home as soon as possible • If the person you care for is unable to make their own decisions, you may be able to make decisions for them As a Carer you may yourself require treatment at hospital, either routinely or for appointments or in an emergency. This can lead to worry and questions as to:
“Who is going to look after the person I care for if I am unwell”
• Planning ahead is vital. This will reduce anxiety if anything does happen • Involve family and friends in scenarios about “what ifs” • Make a contingency plan • If you are in hospital, make it known you are a Carer where possible • If required, contact your local council for Adult or Children’s social care support • Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number to your phone Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for
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