How to Identify a Carer
During your work there may be several opportunities to identify carers. Any interaction with a person with care and support needs is an opportunity to identify a carer, including:
- GP appointments
- Vaccination appointments
- Home visits
- Outpatient appointments
- Transfer to and from hospital
- Social care and other needs assessments
- Admission and discharge assessments/planning
Try to avoid making assumptions about a person’s situation and ask the person with care and support needs whether anyone gives them help or support (apart from paid carers/practitioners). It is important to remember that:
- Carers may not be family members or may not live with the person
- There may be more than one carer supporting that person
- The carer and the cared for may not realise that they are a carer and able to have support in this role
With the carers consent, record details about carers who have been identified.