Contact our Caring for Carers service

For confidential help and advice regarding all aspects of caring for someone.

Our carers lead nurse is Andrea Hone.

If you provide unpaid care to a vulnerable person who could not cope without your support, you may be eligible for support and help as a carer.

Who can be a carer?

Anyone can be a carer regardless of age, sex, sexuality, profession or cultural background. Carers can be partners, family members, friends or neighbours.

Recognising you are a carer or young carer can be an important step in getting the support you need. Becoming a carer can be sudden or it can be a gradual process.

What might you be helping with?

What might you be helping with?

  • Providing company, encouragement and emotional support  
  • Dealing with finances and benefits  
  • Coordinating care and advocating for support 
  • Helping someone travel to or accompanying them at medical appointments  
  • Helping someone with shopping, cooking and domestic tasks 
  • Picking up and administering medication  
  • Assisting with nursing activities (e.g. monitoring blood sugar)
  • Helping someone with personal care such as washing, dressing or toileting 
  • Helping someone maintain their interests and friendships and helping them socialise
  • Helping with administrative activities or legal support  
  • Helping someone communicate  

You may be sharing these responsibilities with family or friends, or you may be the main person providing care.

What can we help with?

Please tell us if:

  • you provide care for a patient in our hospital
  • you are a patient and are providing care for a family member or friend
  • you are coming to terms with caring as a result of a new health condition

We will help you to consider what help you may need to support you in a caring role, as well as making plans for life once you leave hospital.

Being a carer can be difficult as well as rewarding. You might have a lot of different feelings, such as sadness, anger, guilt or loneliness. You may have to balance caring with other things, such as employment and other relationships.

Becoming a carer can be a big change, so it's important to ensure you look after your own wellbeing and health needs.

Here are some tips for navigating the hospital journey while supporting someone as their carer

Speak up during admission, your hospital appointment or coming into A&E

If you're there for the admission, don’t be shy! Let the doctor know you’re the person’s carer and ask them to note this in the patient’s records - this ensures your role is recognised from the start.

Identify key staff

Hospital environments can be busy, and not everyone may introduce themselves. Feel empowered to ask, “Who are you?” so you know exactly who to talk to and can share important information with the right people.

Find the Caring for Carers Service

They can offer support. Make sure you ask for their details - whether at Watford General, St Albans City Hospital or Hemel Hempstead, they’re there to help you navigate the system. Find out more about our Caring for Carers service.

Educate the staff

If hospital staff aren’t aware of the Carers Lead or the Caring for Carers Service, gently inform them. It’s helpful to remind them there is support for all hospitals, (Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, West Herts Therapy Unit and the Virtual hospital)

PALS are your friend

If you ever feel lost or unsure where to turn, talk to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service). They’re a great resource for getting info on Carers Leads and other services available to you.

Don’t be invisible during discharge planning

Discharge is a crucial moment! Make sure the discharge coordinator knows you’re the patient’s unpaid carer. Speak up so that they include you in the planning.

It’s ok to ask for help

Caring can be overwhelming. If it’s too much, don’t be afraid to say so. Hospital staff are there to support you too, and can connect you with resources or services to help lighten the load.

Get a medication rundown

When discharge day comes, ask for a copy of the discharge summary, which includes medication details. If things have changed, request a quick chat with the ward pharmacist - they’ll make sure everything’s clear.

Understand discharge to assess beds

If the patient might need a Discharge to Assess (DTA) bed, this should be discussed with you the by the multidisciplinary team. Ask for information and leaflets so you know what’s next in the care process.

Know the social worker by name

If there’s a care package, or the person is moving to a care home or DTA bed, they’ll be assigned a hospital social worker. Make sure you have their name and contact details, so you’re never left out of the loop.

Clarify the plan

If you feel unsure about the medical plan, ask to speak with the ward manager or senior nurse. Sometimes a focused conversation can really help you understand what’s going on.

Enjoy some perks

If you’re supporting the patient for more than six hours a day or multiple times a day at Watford General, you could be eligible for free parking and meal vouchers. Ask to be referred to the Caring for Carers service! (Or the ward in their absence)

Concessionary parking

West Herts offer reduced parking rates. Just ask the ward staff, PALS or the Caring for Carers Service for details and how to get it.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can stay informed, supported, and in control as you care for your loved one during their hospital stay.

Back to top