Focusing on carers Implementing a carers assessment tool

Focusing on carers Implementing a carers assessment tool at Woking and Sam Beare Hospices

Aims of the session • Provide understanding and context of the needs of carers in end of life care. • Introduce and discuss the role the CSNAT plays in supporting end of life carers. • Summarise the experience for staff and carers of using CSNAT at Woking and Sam Beare Hospices. • Demonstrate what next for our carers support.

The impact of caring • 115, 216 carers of all ages in Surrey • Saving public purse £ 1. 8 billion per year • 25% carers have not had a break from caring in 5 years • 47% of carers care for 90 or more hours per week! • On average they’re £ 370 per month out of pocket

The impact of caring in end of life care • 72% of carers said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. • 61% of carers said their physical health had worsened as a result of caring. • 2016 -2017 6% drop in spending on carers since the previous year • 37% have refused health or care support because of concerns over quality. • 24% wait 6 months or more for a statutory carers assessment.

Identifying needs Care Act (2014) – Criteria for carers • Carrying out any caring responsibilities the carer has for a child • Providing care to other persons for whom the carer provides care • Maintaining a habitable home environment in the carer’s home, whether or not this is also the home of the adult needing care • Managing and maintaining nutrition • Developing and maintaining family or other personal relationships • Engaging in work, training, education or volunteering • Making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community, including recreational facilities or services • Engaging in recreational activities.

Assessment tools

CSNAT (Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool) • Used by multiple hospices in Surrey • Evidence based tool with regular studies supporting it’s impact including recently; • Hospital discharge • Patients with MND, dementia, stroke • Co-production, and carer lead • Flexible use (e. g. assessment style, organisational need) • Free to use tool • Training to implement it is provided

So what’s it like to use? • 4 staff members supporting WSBH trial • Clear, concise • Time to use • Clarifies needs • Useful in identifying areas of worry or concern • “It gets to the point and helps me recognise how I can support this person” • Carers experiences have anecdotally been positive • Can show progress in supporting the carer • Carer led • Useful in managing expectations • Co-production of a clear action plan

What do we offer to carers? • CSNAT carers assessment • Social Work Team support • Complementary Therapies • Befriending • Counselling • Children’s Counselling and Support (Young Carers) • Bereavement Support

So what next? • Roll out of the CSNAT across hospice staff • Carers support groups • Increased carers champions • Continuing to work with our hospice colleagues and the CCG • Carers week 2019!