An explanation of the different people that might visit a Young Carer's home
When you talk with others about the person you care for you may well hear lots of different people mentioned, even if you know their name, do you know what they do?You have the right to know who people are and what they do - if in doubt ask them. Keep a note of all the different people with their telephone numbers so you can get them when you need them, and not just when they decide to call.
NHSDirect 0845 46 47
A 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone helpline for all medical problems. When you ring you will speak to a specially trained nurse who will take you through a series of questions which will identify what the problem is and what the answer is. If it is a medical emergency they will summon an ambulance for you.
District Nurse
They are similar to a nurse working in hospital - they come to do things like changing dressings, giving injections and medicines, they can offer advice on what to do and can explain about the disease or disability. They can also help with arranging special equipment to help you to care.
Health Visitor
Someone who specialises in the care of babies and young children at home. They are based at your G.P.'s surgery and can offer advice, training and a sympathetic ear. They can also help you arrange to get a whole range of other services that might be needed.
Community Psychiatric Nurse - also known as 'the CPN'
A nurse who specialises in working with people who have a mental illness. They also give medicines and injections and can give counselling to the person who is ill. Like the district nurse they can explain to you what is going on and how best you can help.
Social Worker - also known as a Care Manager
Social workers can help you and your family to get the support you need. This can be practical help in your home, benefits money, information about other organisations nearby that could help, a break for you from caring and information about a local young carers group. The social worker can also help you in confidence if there is anything that is troubling or worrying you.
Specialist Social Worker (Deaf & Hard of Hearing People)
The same as a social worker but can communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They can also give special equipment for the home to people who have a hearing difficulty.
Social Worker (Visual Impairment) - Rehabilitation Officers - Rehab officers
The same a social worker but they work with people who are blind or have a visual impairment. They can provide special equipment and training for the person with the sight difficulty.
Occupational Therapist - the 'OT'
They visit the person you care for and can advise on and provide special equipment to help with daily life, for example help with the bath, toilet or the stairs. They can teach you the best and easiest way to do things and how to use the equipment they provide.
Physiotherapist - the 'Physio'
They visit at home and help disabled or ill people with special exercises either to improve things or at least stop something getting worse. Sometimes they assist with special breathing techniques and can advise on special care that is sometimes needed.
Home Care - the 'Home Help' or the 'Home Carer'
This sounds like a young carers role but is in fact someone who is employed to come in to the home to provide practical help with bathing, washing, toileting and other practical things in thehouse.
Care Attendant
Very similar to Home Care but work with people who are ill or disabled between 18 and 64 years of age.
Chiropodist - Podiatrist
Both the same - they visit to help people look after their feet.
Doctors
Apart from your own doctor (GP - General Practitioner) there are many different kinds who could visit or who you might meet in hospital depending on what the problem is. e.g. psychiatrist, psycho-geriatrician, neurologist, etc - they are all specialists in a different part of medicine and you are quite entitled to ask them what they do.
Benefits Agency Visitor - 'The Social', DSS or DHSS
The Benefits Agency visitor comes to discuss what money benefits your family might get. It is important that your family claims everything it is meant to. Also occasionally they may visit because the agency thinks your family is claiming something it is not entitled to. If this happens you need to get advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Everyone who calls, even if they are wearing a uniform, must carry an identity card, ask to see it and read it carefully - if in doubt do not let them in, but ring their office to check who they are.
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