COVID-19 – helping informal carers understand what to expect

Going into hospital or a care home is daunting at the best of times but with the COVID-19 pandemic everything has changed. Whether the admission is because of the coronavirus or another condition, everyone is worried, and the situation around visiting, hygiene and protection and how to communicate with staff has radically altered.

A number of agencies have come together to produce a leaflet to help those looking after someone – whether they see themselves as a carer or not – who may need to go into hospital. There is lots of detailed professional guidance around COVID and loss and bereavement: some quite difficult to understand.

How the leaflet was put together:

This leaflet comes out of personal experience both of family carers and professionals on the ground. It addresses some of the key issues people who are looking after someone with a health condition have asked, in lay persons language. It will help them to be prepared for the new COVID environment in hospitals or care homes. The situation is rapidly changing, and this advice will be updated as necessary.

What does it cover: 

• People’s worries about safety in the hospital or a care home,
• What to take with them if they are admitted and any cultural, dietary, and religious considerations and pastoral support.
• It also urges people to try and think ahead and be prepared; not just practically but also in terms of planning for difficult decisions such as the end of life care they might want their loved ones to receive.
• The information can also be useful for family carers when a care home is being considered or care and support is being provided at home with care services.