The document provides an overview of carer awareness training which aims to define carers, understand legislation regarding carers, identify good practice for supporting carers, and understand services available to carers. It discusses identifying carers, sharing information with them, and involving them in decision making. It also outlines the commitments of East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust and Adult Social Care to supporting carers.

1. Carer Awareness Training Developing good working practice with carers and families…

5. Carers - An Overview

11. Legislation & Guidance

19. Good working practice with carers

42. East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust Commitment to Carers

48. Carers’ Admission Pathway… Emergency Carer Admission Did the cared for person accompany the carer into hospital? Does the carer have a CRESS card? If possible ask the carer or paramedics where the cared for person is Provide this information to Adult Social Care as appropriate Out of Hours Mon – Fri 5pm – 8.30am Weekends & Bank Holidays ASC Emergency Duty Service 01323 636399 Within Office Hours Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5pm Contact Adult Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191 All action taken needs to be clearly recorded in the patient’s notes. Contact Lifeline using the telephone number on the CRESS card and inform them that the carer has been admitted to hospital. Provide any information that you have about the cared for person i.e where are they, is someone with them etc… Lifeline will tell you what will happen next Document this in the patient’s notes Yes No No Yes

53. Adult Social Care’s Commitment to Carers

57. Carers Assessment Pathway… Discuss with carer a referral for Carers’ Assessment via ASC Carer agrees to referral Carer declines referral at this stage Complete referral to ASC clearly highlighting need for Carers’ Assessment OR make contact with Hospital ASC if you need guidance on making referral Person making referral to document clearly in nursing notes Ward staff give info on Carer’s services and Community ASC (See Carers Info Folder) OR if discharge considered to be unsafe, highlight to discharge nurse for further discharge planning ASC to complete Carers’ Assessment as required and arrange for any essential Carer’s Services If carer declines assessment or support at this stage ASC to give info on carer’s services and community ASC OR if discharge considered to be unsafe, highlight to relevant members of MDT for further discharge planning. ASC to record any issues and plans pertinent to discharge planning in medical notes MDT continue with discharge planning of patient with carer involvement and ensure essential carer services are in place prior to discharge.

60. CRESS – Carers Respite Emergency Support Service As part of a Carers Assessment all carers will be invited to draw up a CRESS Contingency Plan. Carer will identify 3 people/care providers who will be able to step into the caring. As a last resort care will be provided by the East Sussex County Council’s Directly Provided Home Care Service. The CRESS Contingency Plan is registered with Eastbourne & Wealden Lifeline (WEL). The Carer is issued with an Emergency Carer Support Card with ID Number and 24 hour telephone contact number . In the event of an emergency the carer or representative contacts WEL and the Contingency Plan is put into action. WEL will contact first person and/or service on the plan. First visit must be completed with 2 hours. In the event that any alternative care providers can be identified or available, substitute care will be provided by East Sussex County Council’s Directly Provided Service. CRESS support can remain in place up to 48 hours and there is no charge to the carer. WEL will notify relevant Duty and Assessment Team if ongoing services are required.