Caring with Carers course LCCG innovation fund report, Lambeth
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Innovation Fund report prepared for NHS Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Management Team October 2017.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) ran a free half-day training course for unpaid carers. The course was adapted from an existing hospital-based initiative designed by the Trust to help carers of elderly family members with dementia prepare for their return home after a stay in hospital.
The course included a self-care session and a choice of two 45-minute skills stations from the following four options: self-care and communication, personal care, moving and handling, and practical solutions for everyday life. The course was facilitated by GSTT professionals including a district nurse and occupational therapist and aimed at carers of adults with several long-term conditions and/or at risk of a fall, registered at a GP practice within the SE locality and using hospital services. Ten people attended the course with hours spent caring ranged from 12 to 35+ hours a week, most describing it as a full-time occupation.
Findings:
• Feedback on the course was largely very positive, with attendees describing the session as relaxed, friendly and professional
• Highlights included the opportunity to meet other carers and share insights
• positive feedback on what they were already doing well and to learn new techniques or to update their skills
• Not enough time to explore the nitty gritty daily routines
• The facilitators seemed unfamiliar with conditions such as learning disabilities and people with very limited mobility
• Identification of a range of topics which were missing such as how to recognise symptom progression, first aid, injection technique, handling challenging behaviour and skin care
Outcomes:
• More tailored advice and support to reflect the particular conditions and needs of their loved ones
• Self-care aspects seemed to have had particular impact equipping attendees with techniques which they were able to use and sustain, to not only maintain but improve their own wellbeing
• GSTT has widened the eligibility to any carers of Lambeth and Southwark residents meeting the same criteria of this test project
• The Trust is also establishing a new Carers Hub for the thousands of un-networked carers using its hospital services.