At Apple Hill Hospital, we recognise that the journey through mental health care isn’t just an individual experience but one shared by patients, families, and caregivers. Supporting your loved one through their mental health challenges can be overwhelming, emotionally taxing, and sometimes isolating. That’s why we offer an array of resources, support systems, and information specifically designed for patients and their families.
We understand the critical role families and caregivers play in the recovery process, and we’re committed to equipping you with the knowledge, support, and tools you need to navigate this journey together. Whether you’re caring for a family member, need information about our services, or simply want to know where to turn for advocacy, we’re here to help.
Support for Carers and Families
Being a carer is a demanding role. It often involves significant emotional and physical effort and can feel isolating. At Apple Hill Hospital, we offer comprehensive support for carers, recognising the vital contribution they make to their loved ones’ wellbeing. Below, you’ll find guidance on accessing various forms of support for carers, family members, and advocates.
Your Role as a Carer: Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with a mental health condition is challenging, and it is crucial that carers take care of themselves to continue providing the necessary support. Regular check-ins with your GP are important so they can guide you to the appropriate services to meet your needs as a carer. Whether you need mental health support, physical care, or simply someone to talk to, it’s vital to recognise the importance of your wellbeing as a carer.
Carers' Assessment
Carers who provide unpaid, regular care for a loved one are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. This assessment ensures that your needs as a carer are recognised and addressed. The evaluation covers your physical, emotional, and mental health needs, assessing how your caregiving responsibilities have affected your wellbeing.
The Carer’s Assessment will typically occur annually, but it should also be requested when there are significant changes to your life or the life of the person you care for. You don’t have to live with or be providing full-time care to qualify for this assessment. After the evaluation, you will receive a written plan that outlines the types of support that can help you.
Local Services for Adult Carers
Carers who look after adults aged 18 or over can access care and support services through their local council. The Carer’s Assessment for adults focuses on understanding how caregiving impacts your daily life, including your physical and mental wellbeing. You are eligible for this assessment regardless of your financial status, the amount of care you provide, or your level of need. Whether you care full-time or juggle caregiving with a career, you are entitled to support.
For further information on how to access an adult carer’s assessment, please visit Carers UK.
Services for Parent Carers
Parents who care for children with disabilities or chronic health conditions are eligible for a Parent Carer Needs Assessment. This assessment evaluates your needs as a caregiver, ensuring that your role as a parent and carer is supported. The evaluation also considers the wellbeing of your child and any other children you care for. It’s essential that your needs are addressed in order to provide the best care for your family.
The local council will conduct this assessment and determine the level of support necessary. For more information about parent carer assessments, visit Carers UK – Young Carers and Carers of Children Under 18.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to provide compassionate, expert care when you need it most.
Together, we can help
Advocacy for Carers
Advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring your voice is heard in discussions about the care and treatment of your loved one. At Apple Hill Hospital, we work alongside advocacy groups to ensure that carers, patients, and families are involved in the decision-making process about their care.
How Advocacy Helps
An advocate is someone who supports and represents your views and wishes during conversations with healthcare professionals and social services. If you are unsure or uncomfortable communicating your needs, an advocate can help ensure that your perspective is considered, and nothing is overlooked.
Many local carer services can connect you with advocacy groups. These organisations can assist in making complaints, voicing concerns, or ensuring that your care and support plan aligns with your needs.
Carers UK offers a self-advocacy guide, which empowers carers to advocate for themselves. For more information, you can visit Being Heard: A Self-Advocacy Guide for Carers.
Personal Budgets for Carers
In some cases, personal budgets can be provided to carers based on the results of a Carer’s Assessment. These budgets offer flexibility and control over the types of services and support carers receive, giving them the freedom to choose the kind of assistance that best suits their needs.
For more information about personal budgets and how they can help you, please visit NHS: Personal Budgets.
Mental Health Support for Carers and Families
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis or ongoing condition can take a significant toll on your own mental health. At Apple Hill Hospital, we are deeply committed to providing carers and families with the resources they need to manage this responsibility.
Resources for Mental Health Support
NHS Secure Carer Toolkit
This toolkit outlines how carers of individuals using secure mental health services can be empowered and supported. It offers a practical framework to engage carers in their loved one’s treatment and care process. Access the toolkit at NHS Secure Carer Toolkit.
Mind
A leading mental health charity, Mind offers advice and support for anyone affected by mental health problems. They also provide an extensive range of resources to help carers cope with the emotional impact of supporting someone with mental illness. For more information, visit Mind.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink provides invaluable resources and support for families and carers of those affected by severe mental health conditions. They focus on advocacy, education, and local group support to empower carers and families. Visit Rethink.
Peer Support Networks
Engaging with others who share similar experiences can be a lifeline for carers. Peer support offers not only emotional backing but also practical advice on navigating the caregiving journey. Carers UK hosts an online forum where carers can share their experiences, seek advice, and support one another. You can access their online community at Carers UK Forum.
Supporting Children and Young People
At Apple Hill Hospital, we believe in comprehensive care for the entire family, including young carers. Children and adolescents who provide care for a parent or sibling with a mental health condition face unique challenges. Young carers may struggle with balancing school, social life, and the responsibilities of caregiving.
Resources for Young Carers
Several organisations provide guidance and support for young carers. The NHS offers a dedicated page for families and young people concerned about the mental health of a loved one. This resource includes advice for parents, carers, and young people navigating mental health services. Visit NHS CAMHS Information for Parents and Carers for more information.
Learning Disabilities and Autism Resources
Families of individuals with learning disabilities or autism may require additional support to navigate healthcare systems. We collaborate with organisations and experts to provide families with resources that address these needs.
- NHS Learning Disability Resources: NHS England has produced comprehensive resources on involving people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their families in care decisions. For more details, visit NHS Learning Disability Resources.
- National Autistic Society: The National Autistic Society provides impartial, confidential information and advice to families of individuals on the autism spectrum. For more information, visit National Autistic Society.
Neurological Conditions Support
Families and carers of individuals with neurological conditions such as brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis face complex caregiving challenges. Apple Hill Hospital connects families with expert organisations that offer specialised support.
- Headway (Brain Injury Support): For families navigating the aftermath of a brain injury, Headway provides essential support and resources. Visit Headway for more information.
- Stroke Association: The Stroke Association offers peer support for stroke survivors and their families. For more details, visit Stroke Association.
- Encephalitis Society: The Encephalitis Society raises awareness and provides support for families affected by encephalitis. Learn more at Encephalitis Society.
Additional Resources
Below is a list of further resources and helplines that can provide advice, guidance, and support for carers and families:
Carers UK Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm)
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to provide compassionate, expert care when you need it most.
Together, we can help