Looking after friends or family when they leave hospital
This information provides useful advice for family and friends of people needing ongoing care or support with daily life.
What kind of support could you provide
Support may be given at home or remotely (for example, by phone) and might include:
- Emotional support, such as helping someone manage anxiety or mental health
- Housework, like cooking, cleaning or other chores
- Personal support, such as help with moving around, washing, eating or dressing
- Assistance with getting essential items like medicine or food
- Help with managing money, paid care or other services
If you are unable to provide care or need assistance, you have the right to a carer’s assessment to consider your own needs too.
Check what your council or local authority can offer by using the online postcode tool to find their websites.
What to consider if you’re looking after someone
1. Get help from others with caring and everyday tasks
Visit the Carers UK and Carers Trust websites for information about available support. Carers UK also has an online forum for speaking with other carers and a free helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on 0808 808 7777.
If you’re employed, talk to your employer about managing work while caring. You may be able to arrange flexible working, and many employers offer additional support for carers.
If you’re at school, college or university, inform them about your caring responsibilities so they can assist with managing your studies. Carers Trust offers helpful advice for young people caring for family members or friends.
Seek specialist advice about caring from condition-specific organisations like Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, MIND, and others.
Try not to manage everything alone. Speak to friends and family about how they might help and if they can take on any tasks.
2. Look after your health as well as the person you support
It’s important to care for your own health and wellbeing. Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and aim to include physical activity in your daily routine.
Simple actions, like taking a few deep breaths, can relieve stress and help you manage each day. The NHS ‘Every Mind Matters’ website has more tips. If your health or the health of the person you support worsens, due to coronavirus or another illness, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
3. Think ahead to make care manageable if things change
Document the care needs of the person you support and specify what others should do if you are unable to continue care. Ensure your plan is accessible so others can quickly understand what needs to be done if you aren’t there. Carers UK offers advice on creating a care plan on their website.
4. Register for extra support from NHS Volunteers
Carers and the people they care for can receive a range of assistance, including shopping and other support, by calling 0808 196 3646.