Carers

 

Recommendations 7.6.1

A. At all times the view of the patient on the involvement of their carers should be sought to establish, if possible, the extent to which the patient wants family members and others involved.

B. The carer(s) of every person with a stroke should be involved with the management process from the outset, specifically:

• as an additional source of important information about the patient both clinically and socially
• being given accurate information about the stroke, its nature and prognosis and what to do in the event of a further stroke or other problems, for example post-stroke epilepsy
• being given emotional and practical support

C. With the patient's agreement, carers should be involved in all important decisions as the patient's advocate if necessary and appropriate.

D. During the rehabilitation phase, carers should be encouraged to participate in an educational programme that:

• explains the nature of stroke and its consequences
• teaches them how to provide care and support
• gives them opportunities to practice care with the patient
• emphasises and reiterates advice on secondary prevention, especially lifestyle changes

E. At the time of transfer of care to the home (or care home) setting, the carer should:

• be offered an assessment of their own support needs (separate to those of the patient) by social services
• be offered the support identified as necessary
• be given clear guidance on how to seek help if problems develop

F. After the patient has returned to the home (or care home) setting, the carer should:

• have their need for information and support reassessed wheneer there is a significant change in circumstances (e.g. if the health of either the patient or the carer deteriorates)
• be reminded and assisted to seek further help and support

 

Sources 7.6.2

A. Consensus

B. Consensus

C. Consensus

D. Smith et al. 2008

E. Consensus; English National Stroke Strategy quality marker 12: "A workable, clear discharge plan that has fully involved the individual (and their family where appropriate) and responded to the individual's particular circumstances and aspirations is developed by health and social care services, together with other services such as transport and housing".

F. Consensus