Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to another person who could not cope without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, disability or addiction.

A carer may be a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour. Carers will be of all ages and situations. For example, a young carer who cares for a parent or sibling or a parent carer of a disabled child.

A carer often does not realise they are a carer and can struggle to tell someone they are finding it difficult to cope.  A carer is not necessarily the closest relative of a patient or their next of kin.

Please see here for information for young carers

If you (the carer) are admitted to hospital

There may be times when you will need to go into hospital for a period of time to receive treatment.  If possible, it is best to plan ahead to ensure arrangements are put in place so that the person you care for can continue to receive support.  If the person you care for lives in Bristol please call Care Direct on 0117 922 2700 and if they live in South Gloucestershire please call the adult care team at South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 868007.

If you need to go into hospital in an emergency out of hours you can access support through the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615 165 who cover both South Gloucestershire and Bristol. 

The Carers Emergency Card can also ensure the safety of the person you care for if you have an accident or emergency.