Think Patient, Think Carer Poster

Ask the patient two questions

In providing care, health staff should ask the patient two questions:

Are you a carer? Do you provide unpaid ongoing support and care for a family member or friend because of their disability, illness or age?
Do you have a carer? Does a family member or friend provide you with support and care because of disability, illness or age?

If the patient responds 'yes' to 'Are you a carer?', several support options are available:

Refer the carer to the social worker
Refer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers to culturally responsive services such as an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Printed information for carers is on display in your hospital
Carer Gateway 1800 442 737
My Aged Care 1800 200 422
Contact the local health district Carer Support Service/Carers Program

If the patient responds 'yes' to 'Do you have a carer?', the carer should be involved in patient care:

With the patient's permission, share information with the carer about the patient's treatment, medication, services and test results
Take time to talk to and listen to the carer - they know the patient
Involve the carer in bedside clinical handover and bedside rounds
Ask the carer about ways to provide personalised care for the patient
Involve the carer in planning for the patient's discharge
Teach the carer what they need to know as the patient goes home