coming out of hospital - carers uk · factsheet w1014 – coming out of hospital 3 introduction...

factsheet

carerswales.org

This factsheet applies to Wales only.

Coming out of hospital

factsheet

Deciding to care or continue caring for someone who is coming out of hospital and who can no longer care for themselves in the same way as before can be very difficult.

This factsheet outlines how to plan for coming out of hospital so you can make sure your views and feelings are listened to and there is support in place.

The information covers Wales only.

ContentsIntroduction 3

Making decisions about caring 3

Carer’s assessment 4

The discharge procedure 6

Health and care support following discharge 9

Financial support following discharge 12

Discharge from a mental health facility 14

Benefit claims 17

Support at work 18

Complaints 18

Further help 21

Factsheet W1014 – Coming out of hospital

3

IntroductionMost of us will look after an older, ill or disabled family member or friend. Caring is a part of life but without the right support the personal costs can be high.

You may not think of yourself as a carer but if you look after an ill, disabled or frail relative, friend or partner, this guide is written for you. It gives information about what to expect when the person you care for leaves hospital.

Different procedures and support are available depending on whether the person you look after is being discharged from a general hospital, or a mental health ward or other facility.

Making decisions about caringWhen a patient is leaving hospital their family or friends can be faced with important decisions and pressures. The patient may need extra help and support once they return home. You may be considering taking on this role for someone for the first time and don’t know what to expect. Or you may already be caring for someone but their needs have now increased or changed.

Choices and rightsIt is you choice whether or not to take on a caring role. Think about the type and amount of support you are able to provide and what help you may need. For example, you may be able to help with shopping and meals but feel that you would like someone else to help with personal care. It is important for you to consider how your new caring situation is likely to affect other aspects of your life such as your emotional and physical health, other relationships, finances and work or studies.

If you decide to take on a caring role you may have the rights to have your needs addressed and this is achieved by a carer’s assessment. This is in addition to any assessment of the person you care for.


4

Carer’s assessmentYou have a legal right to a carer’s assessment if you are providing, or intend to provide ‘regular and substantial’ care to someone.

The type of care you could provide could vary from very practical help through to regular emotional support. You do not have to be living with the person you care for to be entitled to an assessment.

If you are caring for someone under 16 your needs should be assessed as part of their Children Act assessment, although you can request a separate carer’s assessment if you feel your own needs have not been adequately addressed.

As the law stands, you will not automatically be offered a carer’s assessment so you should request one from the social services department in the local council where the person you care for lives.

If you are looking after someone with mental health problems, their care coordinator (often a psychiatric nurse) may carry out your assessment instead.

You can have your assessment while the person you care for is still in hospital or once the person has been discharged.

In Wales, the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 states that care coordinators should take all practicable steps when preparing a care plan, to consult not only the person with mental health problems but also with any person who has a caring relationship for them.

Your carer’s assessment should consider:

> how the caring role impacts on your physical and mental health

> your accommodation and financial situation > your need for respite, leisure and a social life > wider commitments you have – to family members for instance

> any need to juggle caring with paid work > the emotional support you need > any education or training needs you have


5

> specific training for your caring role eg instruction in lifting safely

> planning for an emergency > the caring role you want to have in the future

Remember that this role is voluntary and your wishes should be respected.

Local councils do not have a legal duty to provide services to carers following an assessment, however many do.

Services and support could include things like breaks, training, counselling and support groups.

Having an assessment could also highlight additional services for the person you care for. These could be arranged by social services or you.

You or the person you look after may be offered direct payments to buy in your own assessed services. It has been mandatory in Wales since 2004 that local authorities have a duty to offer you, if you have been assessed as having eligible needs, the option of direct payments as a way of managing your own or the person you look after’s assessed eligible services.

To find out more about assessments visit carersuk.org/assessments


6

The discharge procedureEach hospital will have its own discharge policy based on Guidance from the Welsh Government. In Wales it is called Hospital discharge planning guidance 2005 NAFWC 17/2005.

The guidance emphasises the importance of involving the patient and carers at all stages of discharge planning. You can request a copy of the hospital’s discharge planning policy from the ward manager or your local Community Health Council.

Planning for a patient’s discharge starts as soon as the patient is admitted to hospital so it is important to let the hospital staff know as early as possible if you are a carer or thinking of taking on this role.

The Carers Strategies Wales Measure 2010 aims to ensure that carers are identified by staff at all levels within the NHS and that carers are provided with relevant information and signposting to other sources of advice and support. You should also be informed of your legal right to an independent assessment of your needs as a carer. Each Local Health Board and Trust in Wales has a strategy in place and you can request a copy from the hospital.

A ‘discharge coordinator’ (or ward care coordinator) should be available to coordinate the planning process and act as a key person for you to contact to find out what the discharge plans are.

When a patient is nearing their expected date of discharge they will receive an assessment from ward staff to see if they are medically fit to be discharged. This can also include assessments from physiotherapists and occupational therapists. If the patient is seen to have a need for further support following discharge, a request will be put in for an assessment from the hospital social work team, with the patient’s consent.

The carer’s role in the discharge procedureYou and the patient should be involved in all stages of the discharge planning. You can ask to speak to the matron or ward manager, or to the hospital social work team. You may find it easier to put your thoughts in writing and ask for this to be referred to during the patient’s assessment.


7

Hospital wards can sometime seem like busy or intimidating places and you may feel pressure from the hospital or the patient to get the person home quickly. However, it is important that you feel your views are being taken into consideration and that the person is not being discharged before services are put in place.

In situations where a patient does not want you to be involved or have information about their care, you should be informed of this. If the patient refuses services, but you are providing care for them you are still entitled to your own carer’s assessment.

If the patient lacks mental capacity you may be able to make certain decisions about health and welfare matters if you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). If there is no LPA the law requires professionals to act in the patient’s ‘best interests’ and you should be involved in the decision making process.

Procedure for a hospital assessment

> An assessment for NHS continuing care should be carried out where it appears there may be a need for such care.

> The patient and carers should be consulted about whether or not to involve social services if a need is identified.

> The hospital social work team are then notified that assessments are required

> The patient’s assessment is carried out. > A separate carer’s assessment is carried out if requested (or a referral for a carer’s assessment post-discharge is made).

> If eligible for services, a care plan is drawn up setting out what services will be provided.

> A financial assessment is carried out to determine any charges for services (The Social Care Charges (Wales) Measure 2010 states the maximum charge that you can be expected to pay for non-residential social services in Wales, has been capped at £55 per week - £60 from April 2015).

> The care plan is implemented.


8

Discharge dayOn the day of discharge you and the patient should expect to be given both verbal and written information, with details of any services involved and information about future treatment and care. The information should be available in a language and format suitable to you. It is common that people do not remember or understand all the information they are given so don’t be afraid to ask for it to be repeated or explained in a different way.

You and the person you care for should expect the following type of arrangements to be made for the day of discharge:

> appropriate transport should be organised if it is required > you should both be given copies of care plans > a discharge letter should be sent to the patient’s GP within 24 hours

> medication and any equipment needed at home should be dispensed to the patient, as well as instructions and information about its use

> any necessary homecare services should be put in place to start on the day of discharge

> a discharge lounge (or similar space should be available for use in the hospital while waiting for transport, medication etc)

> up to six weeks free intermediate care in Wales including care in your own home


9

Health and care support following discharge There are a range of care services that can be offered to the person needing care, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Local councils may vary in the services they provide and the names that they give to these services. Different councils may also have different eligibility criteria for services. Ask your local social services department or seek advice from your local carers’ organisation about what is available in your area.

The following pages list some of the possibilities.

Intermediate careThis is a range of services designed to promote faster recover from illness and to prevent delays in being discharged from hospital. It can include nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy input. Intermediate care can take place in the patient’s own home, a day care facility or residential care for up to six weeks. No charges should be made for the first six weeks of intermediate care.

Re-ablement servicesThese are after-care services to promote independent living and make it less likely that readmission to hospital is necessary. The focus is on working to jointly agreed goals to improve the patient’s independence and confidence and to reduce the need for longer term home care services. Re-ablement services are usually free for the first six weeks but local councils may vary in how they provide these services and whether they charge for them.

Following the initial six weeks of re-ablement, a review of needs should be carried out and further homecare services arranged if required. These are usually chargeable on a means-tested basis and could be provided directly by the council or by means of direct payments.

Palliative careThis refers to the type of care needed when someone has a health condition which is not expected to be cured by medical treatment. There is a difference between this and a ‘terminal illness’ where death is expected to take place within a given period of time.


10

Palliative care will consist of pain relief and other appropriate medical care, as well as providing emotional and practical support. It may take place in a hospice, residential care or in someone’s own home. Where the illness is thought to be terminal the individual may be ‘fast tracked’ for provision of NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Other servicesThe following services may also be provided:

> aids and adaptations, eg stair lifts, hand rails. Equipment under £1,000 should be provided free of charge. Grants are available for larger scale adaptations

> telecare equipment such as alarms and other forms of technology

> care workers to provide support, eg help with getting in and out of bed or getting dressed

> day care facilities for recreation or therapy > help with home maintenance, eg home handyman services > laundry/incontinence services > meals on wheels

There may also be services provided by the voluntary sector such as the British Red Cross, Age UK, faith groups and local charities. There are often condition specific services such as for stroke, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s and these could be services for patients or for their carers. The hospital social work team should be able to provide you with information about services in your local area or you could contact your local carers’ organisation.

The patient may be assessed as unable to return to their own home even with services in place. Sheltered housing or supported living scheme may be appropriate or they may be assessed as needing a residential or nursing care home. Both you and the patient should be offered detailed information and advice, and possibly support such as an advocacy service, when making this type of decision.

In most cases the local council does not have the power to force the patient to go into residential care. However, where residential care is refused, the patient does not have the right to stay in the NHS acute ward. Social Services and the hospital should work with both of you to explore other options.


11

NHS Continuing HealthcareNHS Continuing Healthcare is on-going health care provided outside the hospital setting which is arranged and funded by the NHS. To qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare the patient must have a ‘primary health need’ that is, a nursing or other medical need which is not just incidental to services which the local authority could provide. So for example, someone with complex medical condition requiring specialist nursing care at home may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare.

Hospital patients who have complex health needs are eligible to have their needs considered against the criteria and this should be done before a referral for assessment is made to social services. Assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare usually involves an initial screening assessment for eligibility by ward staff. This is then followed by an in-depth assessment by professionals involved in the patient’s care. Your view of the patient’s need should also be included in the assessment.

The health care can be provided in someone’s home or in a residential or nursing home. There is no charge for NHS Continuing Healthcare services and while there is no time limit for services the patient’s eligibility will be reviewed regularly.


12

Financial support following discharge

Personal budgets and direct paymentsPersonal budgets refer to the funds allocated to the person who has been assessed as eligible for services. Personal budgets can either be taken as direct payments, or can be managed by social services to commission services or a combination of the two.

Direct payments are money given to the person needing support to buy in their own services. They must be used to meet the needs of the person agreed in a support plan drawn up by the Social Worker.

Many people like to use direct payments as it gives them more choice and control over their care, eg being able to recruit their own care workers rather than seeing different agency staff. However, others prefer not to have the responsibility for arranging things like sickness cover and payroll and choose to use their direct payments to buy services from the care agency of their choice. Some people do not want to have direct payments at all, and prefer to have services provided for them by their local council. The best thing to do is talk over these options with someone from your social services department.

Your local social services department should be able to help you with advice and information about direct payments and most will have a team or specific worker you can contact. There are also many independent organisations who can act as brokers for direct payments, helping you with recruiting workers and helping with things like payroll etc.

Charging for servicesIf the patient is not eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare services or Section 117 Aftercare services (for mental health) the local authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine the person’s contribution towards care.

In Wales the Social Care (Wales) Measure 2010 sets a maximum weekly charge for all non-residential social services at £55 per week (£60 from April 2015).


13

Care at homeWhere the person is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, services are free of charge. Intermediate care services (usually re-ablement services) are free for the first six weeks.

If the person is assessed as needing further input from social services after the first six weeks there will usually be a charge for those services. The person will be financially assessed to see what contribution they will make towards services. If the person has savings, above a certain threshold they may be self-funding and required to pay full costs.

Your local council should have clear guidelines for you about its charging policies. During the financial assessment it is important to think about extra costs associated with the person’s illness or disability such as extra laundry, bedding and heating as these can be discounted.

If full NHS Continuing Healthcare has been agreed there will be no cost to the person going into residential care. Where a level of nursing is required (but not full NHS Continuing Healthcare), the NHS will pay a contribution towards the costs of care. Where nursing care is not required the person will be financially assessed by their local authority.

Services for carersYou may also be financially assessed for services provided to you as a carer. There are rules about the type of income and capital that can be taken into account. Only your own income and capital (rather than that of the person for whom you care) is relevant and any paid earnings you have can be disregarded.


14

Discharge from a mental health facility

Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010In Wales this law makes a number of important changes to the assessment and treatment of people with mental health problems and deals with how individuals access and receive treatment in Wales.

It will allow people who are voluntarily having treatment for mental health problems in Wales the right to advocacy if they so wish.

The law does not deal with compulsory admission and treatment of individuals, these remain matter for the Mental Health Act 1983.

Care Coordination and Care and Treatment PlanningFor individuals aged 18 or over, who have been assessed as requiring treatment within secondary mental health services the Measure places a duty on the service providers to work together to ensure that a care and treatment plan is put in place in writing.

The treatment plan will be developed by a care coordinator in consultation with the service user, and where practicable and appropriate the views of carers or significant others involved in the care.

To ensure that the care and treatment helps to maximise recovery, when formulating the care and treatment plan the care coordinators should focus on the needs of the individual rather than the services that currently exist and that could be provided. The care and treatment plan should be based on a recovery approach and in addition to the services available in specialist mental health, consideration should also be given to other services such as leisure, education, employment, training and services offered by the voluntary sector to minimise the impact of an individual’s mental health problems in order that they can live as fulfilled a life as possible.

Care CoordinatorsAs soon as an individual has been accepted into secondary mental health services the Measure places a duty on the mental health service provider to appoint a care coordinator as soon as possible.


15

The care coordinator will be responsible for working with the individual, their carers and service providers to ensure that an appropriate care and treatment plan is developed and written and where and when necessary reviewed and revised. They will also be responsible for keeping in touch with the patient. They will act as the principle source of information for the patient and will ensure that the individual is involved and engaged where possible in the planning process.

A part of the care coordinator’s duties will also be to develop and maintain relationships with carers and treat them as equal partners in the care relationship.

Engagement with carersThe Regulations state that care coordinators should take all practicable steps to consult with any carers who may have a caring relationship during the preparation or review of the care plan. Before any consultation with a carer or carers takes place the care coordinator is required to take into account the views and wishes of the patient as to whether the carers should be consulted with. However, where the individual has indicated that they do not wish a carer to be consulted the care coordinator may still consult against the patients’ wishes so long as they have given due consideration to the views of the patient. The care coordinator may also decide to withhold a copy of the plan, or provide a copy of part of a plan, to a carer, if they believe that it is in the patient’s interests to do so.

Where it is decided that consultation or sharing of the care plan with carers should not take place it will be good practice to record the reasons for the decision and it should be kept under review.

Assessments of Former Users of Secondary Mental Health ServicesThis part of the Measure will enable individuals who have been discharged from secondary mental health services, but who subsequently believe that their mental health is deteriorating to be able to refer themselves back to secondary mental health services without having to go elsewhere for referral first. The entitlement to make the request lies only with the person who was previously the


16

patient. No other person can make the request eg. a carer, unless they are a donee or deputy under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

There is a three year time limit for the person making the request. If they have been discharged from secondary mental health services for over three years then they would need to go back to primary care for assessment and referral.

Mental Health AdvocacyThe Measure will create an expanded statutory scheme of independent mental health advocacy, both for patients subject to compulsion under the Mental Health Act 1983 and for those informally (voluntary or informal) patients. The Measure will ensure help and support is available for all in-patients to help them make decisions and choices about their care and treatment.

Patients detained under a section of the Mental Health Act 1983If you are the patient’s nearest relative and they are in hospital under a Section 2 or 3 of the Mental Health Act, you can give notice that you wish to discharge the patient. This must be done in writing and addressed to the Mental Health Act managers in the hospital. A responsible clinician can ‘bar’ this notice if they feel there would be a risk of the patient harming themselves or others.

Most mental health facilities will have an independent mental health advocate available for you to speak to about this. You can also contact Mind and Hafal for advice.

Support following discharge

Community Mental Health ServicesIf the person you care for is being discharged from a mental health facility they will usually be under the care of a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). The services provided by CMHTs will vary in different parts of the country but could include Community


17

Psychiatric Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Support Workers and Day Services. The patient may also be eligible for Section 117 Aftercare services.

Section 117 AftercareIf the patient has been detained under certain sections of the Mental Health Act, they have a right to aftercare services through Section 117. This applies to people who have been in hospital for treatment under Section 3, under a Section 37 (with or without restriction order) or following a transfer from prison under Section 47 or 48.

Aftercare services are designed to reduce readmission to hospital and in addition to the care at home services mentioned could also include residential care. Importantly there is no charge for aftercare services under Section 117.

Benefit claimsIf is important to notify the relevant benefit office that the person you care for is going or has gone into hospital, as this may affect their benefit as well as your own.

Some benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment may stop if the patient has been in hospital for more than 28 days (84 days if the patient is a child) but the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance and personal Independence Payment can continue in some cases.

You should also note that different shorter periods of stay in hospital can be linked together and benefit will stop when these linked periods reach 28 days or 84 days if the patient is a child.

If the Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment of the person you are looking after stops, your Carer’s Allowance will also stop.

When the patient is ready to be discharged, inform the office dealing with the particular benefit to make sure that payments restart. The patient may also be eligible for benefits at an increased rate if their care needs have changed.


18

Help at workIf you are in paid work you may need to make some adjustments when the person comes out of hospital.

This could be anything from needing to make regular phone calls to check on someone, through to taking off an extended period of leave. Carers have specific legal employment rights.

All carers have a right to request flexible working, but some other rights vary depending on your relationship to the person you care for and the type of employment contract you have. Check your contract and speak to your employer or your Union.

Most working carers have the following rights:

> the right to request flexible working > the right to time off in emergencies > the right to parental leave if you have a child > the right not to be discriminated against or harassed under the Equality Act

Many employers will have their own policies on supporting employees with caring responsibilities and may offer additional support or flexibility.

The Carers UK booklet Supporting working carers: a carer’s guide contains more information about flexible working. This and further information about your rights at work can be found at carersuk.org/flexibleworking

ComplaintsUnfortunately there may be times when you need to make a complaint about a hospital discharge procedure, for example if you feel the person was discharged without consultation and without the necessary support being in place.

When making a complaint, what matters is that you explain as clearly as possible what went wrong and what you would like to happen instead. You should make your complaint as soon as you can.

Informal complaintTo start with you may want to make an informal complaint by speaking to the discharge co-ordinator or social worker immediately


19

involved with the arrangements. This is often sufficient to resolve the matter.

Two stage formal complaints processIf this informal approach does not resolve matters then you can use the NHS formal complaints process listed below. Either you or the patient can make the complaint about how you have been treated or the care provided. The complaint should normally be made within 12 months of the incident in question.

> First stage complaint – local resolutionIn Wales since April 2011 new arrangements have been put in place to deal with your complaints or concerns.

You can request a copy of a leaflet called ‘Putting things Right’ from the hospital which gives information on how to make a complaint. Second stage complaint – Public Ombudsman for Wales

If you are not happy with the response received to the complaint then you can take the complaint further by contacting:

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, 1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae, Pencoed CF45 5LJTel: 0845 601 0987 Email: [email protected] www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk

Complaints about the assessment for NHS Continuing HealthcareIf you are not satisfied with the way the NHS Continuing Healthcare initial assessment was carried out or the outcome of the assessment, make your complaint to the NHS professionals involved in making the decision. The NHS should work closely with you and the multidisciplinary team to resolve the decision informally whilst making sure that all the necessary assessments and procedures have been properly undertaken.

If the Health Board keeps to its original decision and you wish to challenge this further, you can ask to raise the complaint through the NHS complaints procedure. If you remain dissatisfied at the outcome you can then contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (details above).


20

The Welsh Government has published a Public Information Leaflet called Continuing NHS Healthcare for Adults in Wales – WAG 10-033339 August 2010. You can request a copy by calling 029 2082 3683 or emailing [email protected]

Assistance in making a complaint to social servicesCommunity Health Council’s (CHCs) in Wales provide advice and help if you have problems with or complaints about NHS services. You can contact the Board of Community Health Councils in Wales on 029 2023 5558 to obtain more information on your local CHC.

Complaints about social servicesIf your complaint is about social services, you should use the local authority’s statutory complaints procedure. Ask your local authority for a copy of their complaints procedure.

Once your complaint has been dealt with fully by the local authority concerned, if you are not happy with the outcome you can refer your complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on 0845 601 0987.

Assistance in making your complaint to social servicesYou may be able to get assistance with making a complaint to social services from a local carers’ centre, citizen’s advice service or advocacy service. You can also speak to your local Assembly Member or local councillor.

Judicial reviewIn some cases an application for Judicial Review of a social services or NHS decision by the High Court may be possible. An application for judicial review must be made within a maximum period of three months so it is important to get legal advice as quickly as possible.


21

Further helpFor information and advice contact the Carers UK Adviceline on 0808 808 7777 (open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) or email [email protected]

Information is also available on our website – visit www.carersuk.org

You can also contact Carers Wales for advice on 029 2081 1370 or at [email protected]

Board of Community Health CouncilsYour local Community Health Council provides help and advice if you have problems or complaints about NHS Services in Wales. Ring the Board of CHCs or visit their website to find your local office.www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/899/home 029 2023 5558 | [email protected]

Public Service Ombudsman for WalesCan offer advice and investigate complaints about public services in Wales. www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk 01656 641150 | [email protected]

Equality Advisory Support ServiceThe helpline advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and Human Rights across Wales, England and Scotland. www.equalityadvisoryservice.com 0808 800 0082

Older People

Older People’s Commissioner for WalesCan provide help and support for older people and put them in touch with organisations who can help. www.olderpeoplewales.com 08442 640670 | [email protected]


22

Age CymruAre able to offer free help and advice for older people on a range of topics. www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru 08000 223444

Children

Children’s Commissioner for WalesCan offer support to children and young people and help them find out about their rights. www.childcomwales.org.uk 01792 765600 | [email protected]

Contact a FamilyProvides information, advice and support for families of disabled children. www.cafamily.org.uk 0808 808 3555 | [email protected]

Legal help

Citizens Advice CymruProvide advice on a range of topics including debt, benefits, housing, employment and many more issues. www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales.htm 03444 772020

Mental health

HafalWork with individuals recovering from serious mental health illness and their families. www.hafal.org 01792 816600


23

Mind CymruProvide advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-work-in-wales 0300 123 3393

As well as these, disease-specific charities such as Parkinson’s UK, Stroke Association, Alzheimers Society, National Autistic Society etc may be able to offer information and advice that is relevant to your situation.

Benefit helplines

Attendance Allowance0345 605 6055 (textphone: 0845 604 5312)

Carer’s Allowance Unit 0845 608 4321 (textphone: 0845 604 5312) www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Disability Living Allowance0845 712 3456 (textphone: 0845 722 4433)

Jobcentre Plus For Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance.

New claims: 0800 055 6688 (textphone: 0800 023 4888) Helpline: 0345 604 3719 (textphone: 0345 608 8551)

Pension Credit0800 99 1234 (textphone: 0800 169 0133)

Personal Independence PaymentNew claims: 0800 917 2222 Enquiry line: 0845 850 3322 (textphone: 0845 601 6677)

Tax Credits0345 300 3900 (textphone: 0345 300 3909)

Carers Wales works as part of Carers UK to make life better for carers.Caring will affect us all at some point in our lives.

With your help, we can be there for the 6,000 people who start looking after someone each day.

We’re the UK’s only national membership charity for carers. We’re both a support network and a movement for change.

Visit us at our website to join us, help us or access more resources:

carersuk.org

carerswales.orgCarers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (864097).

Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX

This factsheet is designed to provide helpful information and advice. It is not an authoritative statement of the law. We work to ensure that our factsheets are accurate and up to date, but information about benefits and community care is subject to change over time. We would recommend contacting the Carers UK Adviceline or visiting our website for the latest information.

This factsheet was updated in May 2015.

© Carers UK 2015 W1014

Carers UK AdvicelineFor expert information and advice about caring.

0808 808 7777 (open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm)[email protected]

Carers Wales

029 2081 1370 [email protected]

Carers UK20 Great Dover StreetLondon SE1 4LX020 7378 [email protected]

coming out of hospital - carers uk · factsheet w1014 – coming out of hospital 3 introduction...

Documents