Flu pandemic and carers

With the growth in the number of pandemic flu cases, it is likely that there will be greater demand on Carers’ centres in that existing carers will require increased levels of support, and more people will find themselves in a caring role having to look after flu sufferers.

Existing carers might ask for more help because:

• They have flu themselves;
• The needs of the person being cared for have increased since contracting flu;
• They need to look after someone else who has flu in addition to the person for whom they usually care.

How Southwark Carers is preparing for a Flu Pandemic

• Carers should check that the support package for them and the person for whom they care contains contingency plans.  If there is no support package in place, the carer should seek a review of the relevant community care plans and carer’s assessment.  The individual social care record should include details about the daily caring tasks so that the information can be given to anyone who has to take over a person’s care at short notice.
• Carers should use their Planning for Emergencies Pack provided by Southwark Carers or request one from us, (help will be given to fill in the details if required).
• Carers should be encouraged to discuss contingency plans with family, friends and neighbours who agree to be on standby so that they can help by collecting antiviral medication, prescriptions, shopping or taking on caring responsibilities. Should the carer require help with approaching family or potential flu friends Southwark Carers can help with this.
• A letter is being sent to every GP in Southwark reminding them of the necessity to identify carers and keep an up to date register, essential in the event of a flu pandemic. Southwark Carers are reaching out to hidden carers, not registered with us or their GP to come forward.  Our Forum on 15th September entitled ‘Hidden and Invisible’ encourages Carers to bring a ‘hidden’ carer with them
• It is possible that a huge strain will be put on social and health services, only those most critical people will be assessed by Social Services.  Southwark Carers will help carers assess their own needs and understand currently available services.
• If you feel unwell or someone in our household is diagnosed with Swine Flu and you wish to contact us please telephone rather than visiting us.

In the event that our offices should close we will put other carer centre telephone numbers on our website for emergency carer support and advice.