Looking after family or friends after they leave hospital?

Get help from others with caring and everyday tasks:

• See if there are friends or family who can support the person needing care

• Go to the Carers UK and Carers Trust websites for information about support available. Carers UK also has an online forum where you can speak to other carers, and a free helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on 0808 808 777

Look after your health as well as the person you support: It’s important to look after yourself to stay healthy and avoid burning out.

• Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and try to make time each day for physical activity.

• Kingston Carers Network (KCN) can help if you are looking after someone returning from a hospital stay. KCN can help you with advice and advocacy, social activities and social groups.

• Browse Connected Kingston for ways to keep fit, stay mentally well and get involved in community activities.

• Check the NHS ‘Every Mind Matters’ website for more tips. If your own health or the health of the person you support gets worse, with coronavirus or another illness, talk to your GP or call NHS 111.

Think ahead to make care manageable if things change:

• Write down what care the person needs and what others should do if you can’t continue providing care for any reason.

• It’s important that others can easily find your plan and quickly understand what needs to be done if you aren’t there.

• Carers UK have advice on their website on how to make your plan.

Read the Government guidance for unpaid carers: For more detailed advice on caring for friends or family during coronavirus.

Register for extra support from NHS volunteers: Carers as well as those they care for can get a range of help including with shopping and other support by calling 0808 196 3646.