7 November 2024

Each team at the Community Independence Service in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham have been focused on how they can improve carer engagement in their service area.

In unplanned care, involvement is often during a crisis and for a short length of time - a matter of days. We have learned from our friends and family feedback about what is most important in how we support people in these important and brief periods of time.

Patients and carers tell us that being fast to respond, arriving when we say we will and doing what we say we will is valued. They also highlight our human interactions offering professionalism, knowledge, care and a sense of humour make all the difference.

Recording carer relations on our internal systems is the first step and soon the carers dashboard will be added for all services. Our carer champions are present in daily handovers, prompting carer involvement and sharing of information with carers.

The CNWL information leaflet is being promoted which offers contact information for carers assessments, rights and benefits: Information Pack for Carers Friends and Relatives 2024.pdf

The upcoming carers rights day on Thursday 21 November is another opportunity for the team to raise awareness amongst all our staff and ensure that carers are fully involved as part of the triangle of care. Read more on carers rights day here.  https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/