When becoming a carer happens unexpectedly it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Suddenly you have a thousand questions with no easy answers. It may be helpful to consider these pointers as you begin your journey as a carer:-
Often the crisis that occurs means that your relative is admitted to a hospital. Use the time that they are hospitalised to formulate a plan for them. Make sure that you are in communication with all the people involved in your relative's care in the hospital. That means not only talking with the doctor but the nurses, the nursing auxiliaries and the therapists (if appropriate) and the social work team who will be developing a discharge plan for your relative.
If it looks as if your relative is likely to return home then make any necessary repairs or modifications to make sure that their home is safe, accessible and meets his or her needs. Discuss early on if a return home is a possibility. If so, then find out what level of community support will be needed to ensure that your relative is safe and well cared for. Contact friends, neighbours and the support services in your relative's community and find out how they can be of help.
If a return home is not an option, then talk to people about what other living arrangements are available. The discharge planning team based at your relative's hospital should be able to advise you about the range of housing options available - such as assisted living or a residential care home.
The bottom line:
If you are providing regular assistance to a friend, relative or family member, you are a carer.
