Carers ‘Well Carer’ Health Check
PROCESS OF CARERS Health Check
Planning the Health Check
Consider:
Communication needs of the carer (interpreter, signer, reader)
The carers wishes re being seen alone or with the service user
Support or advocacy for the carer
Timing the Well Carer Health Check
Consider:
Carers have busy lives – respect their routines and time constraints
More suitable after any immediate crisis has passed
May not be just a one off conversation
Conducting the Well Carer Health Check
Consider:
To be completed in conjunction with the carer
Staff to be ‘carer aware’ and good at ‘hearing’ information
To be undertaken in a relaxed setting - ‘good bedside manner’
Use guidance notes and Key Question template
Recording the Well Carer Health Check
Use the Form supplied with the protocol
Complete all sections fully getting the carer to confirm and agree action points
Give carer copy of completed form
File form as relevant
Update any electronic records
Book for review
Confidentiality
Carer may reveal information that the person cared for is not aware of
Only shared with patient (cared for) with carers consent
Well Carer Health Check
Date………………………………….
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other (please specify)……………………….
Surname……………………. Forename……………………………
Address………………………………………………………………….
……………………………….
Postcode…………………Date of Birth…………………………….
Telephone No. Home……………………………………..Work………………………………..
Ethnic Origin…………………………………
PERSONAL MEDICAL HISTORY
Have you ever suffered form any of the following conditions listed below:
IF YES WHEN?
Epilepsy Y/NBlindness/Glaucoma Y/N
Diabetes Y/N Strokes Y/N
Heart problem Y/N Asthma Y/N
Cancer Y/N High cholesterol Y/N
High blood pressure Y/N Hayfever Y/N
Have you ever had any other serious illnesses? IF YES WHAT WAS THAT ILLNESS AND WHEN………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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PLEASE LIST MEDICATION THAT YOU TAKE ON A REGULAR BASIS AND WHY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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EXERCISE – Do you take any exercise, if yes what e.g. walking swimming?…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
DIET – Do you eat a healthy diet?……………………………….…………
WEIGHT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
HEIGHT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
BLOOD PRESSURE………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ALCOHOL – How much do you drink a week?…………………………………………………..
DO YOU SMOKE – If yes how many per day?……………………………………………………..
If ex smoker how many did you used to smoke and when did you give up?………………
FLU VACCINATION – Do you have regular flu vaccinations?…………………………………..
- Do you have any concerns about your health as it relates to your caring role/tasks? I.e. are you worried that you might become ill or have an accident due to caring (physical tasks, emotional stress etc?)
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- Do you need some support with caring so that you can attend to your own health needs?
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- Do you have any concerns about actually performing any clinical tasks that maybe associated with your caring role? I.e. are you ok dealing with blood, giving medication, assisting with infections, cleaning wounds etc?
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- Do you have sufficient information for you to understand the medical condition of the person you are caring for and how to help them best manage that condition?
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- Do you have any other concerns around the health and well being of the person you caring for? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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- Do you feel that you need any other non-medical support to enable you to continue caring? I.e. benefit advice, how to get a break etc. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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- Would you like to have a FREE carer’s information pack?……………………………………..
- Would you like to be referred to a local carers organisation where you can get to know other carers and receive a FREE bi – monthly newsletter?…………………………
RISK ASSESMENT / INTERVENTION / COMMENTS
1. / Health Concerns about themselves or the person they are caring for / Refer to someone who can have a discussion about their concerns. This maybe GP/Nurse or agencies.
2. / Social Care Needs/Health Equipment / Refer to social services re getting services or respite etc.
3. / Awareness or support with carrying out clinical tasks for the person they are caring for / Practice Nurse support or referral to local Red Cross for training/advice.
4. / General information about the illness or disability of the person they are caring for / Organisations/Leaflets/Computer
5. / Other Concerns / Organisations/Leaflets/Computer/Specialist
SPLASH
6. / Support / If the patient- carer wants formal support refer to social services re a carer’s assessment or, if they just want some informal support refer to Greenwich Carers Centre.
7. / Carers Pack / If you are an Information Pack’ holding station’ then give a pack to the patient. If not, give patient-carers details to the GCC and request a pack is sent.
8. / Carer specific support (emotional, practical, guidance) / Refer to Greenwich Carers Centre or give them a GCC leaflet if they say “no” or “not at this time”.
Carers Health Check Risk Assessment Action Sheet