“Nobody said ‘you’re a carer’. I was doing the job of a caring daughter” NHS North West and Carers UK urging people to know their rights, this Carers Rights Day
Today is Carers Rights Day, and the NHS in the North West is encouraging people to know their rights and understand what they’re entitled to when they begin to provide care for a family member, friend or neighbour, who might have a disability, illness, mental health condition or are elderly.
Lots of carers are unpaid and many don’t recognise themselves as carers and don’t realise they have legal rights or know what support is available to them.
One of those rights is that carers should be included in hospital discharge planning for the person they are caring for.
Lisa, who is from Salford cared for her mum through her cancer journey. Lisa’s first discharge experience was poor; the clinicians didn’t hear Lisa’s concerns which led to her mum being discharged prematurely and unfortunately found her mum back in hospital again quickly after discharge.
Lisa said: “Another experience of my mum’s discharge was much better, and it was because I very quickly learned from the first one.
“The doctor listened to me as her Carer that I could then be organised at home because the care absolutely ramped up then.”
To hear about Lisa’s experience as a carer and how it’s important to be included in the discharge process watch her video here.
James McLean, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England North West said: “This Carers Rights Day, we recognise the dedicated Carers across the North West who take on huge responsibilities caring for loved ones, whether they are family, friends, or neighbours.
“We have a duty to ensure all Carers know their rights and use their rights, and receive the correct support, services and guidance, for themselves and those they are caring for.”
Knowing your rights as a carer can give you confidence to ask for what you need and to challenge when your needs are not being met. This could be in relation to health and social care, at work, or being meaningfully involved in the discussions and arrangements for the support of the person you care for.
These rights are:
- The right to unpaid Carer’s Leave
- The right to request flexible working
- The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer
- The right (and choice) to request a free flu jab
- Protection against discrimination or harassment
- Requesting a carer’s assessment
- Being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital
Lisa said: “I wasn’t aware I could have gone to my GP and asked for a flu jab. I wish I’d known, as a carer and caring for somebody with cancer who I need to protect I’m entitled to a flu jab.
“So just simple things like giving the right information is so important.”
- ENDS
Case studies video:
To hear about Lisa’s experience as a carer and how it’s important to be included in the discharge process watch her video here.
For more information on carers rights and support visit: