Support for carers during hospital discharge

If you look after a family member, friend, or neighbour who needs care, you are a carer - and your role may become even more important when they leave hospital.

This page explains what support is available to carers during hospital discharge, how to get involved in planning, and where to get help for yourself.

Are you a carer?

You are a carer if you provide unpaid support to someone who:

is recovering from illness, surgery, or a hospital stay
needs help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, or getting around
has a long-term condition, disability, or mental health need

Carers play a vital role during hospital discharge, helping to ensure that the person you care for returns home safely and has the right support in place.

How carers are involved in hospital discharge

If the person you care for is in hospital, you should be involved in discharge planning - with their permission. This means:

being kept informed about when they are expected to leave hospital
discussing what help they will need at home
raising any concerns you have about managing their care
receiving guidance and training (if required) on how to support them safely

Hospital staff must take into account your views and capacity to care. You should not be expected to take on new or additional responsibilities without your agreement.

What is a carer’s assessment?

If you will be providing ongoing care after the hospital discharge, you are entitled to a carer’s assessment from Lewisham Adult Social Care.

This is not an assessment of your ability, but a conversation about:

the impact of your caring role on your health and wellbeing
whether you are willing and able to continue caring
what support, services, or equipment could help you whether you need a break or access to respite care

Following the assessment, you may be offered support such as:

help with household tasks or lifting equipment
access to carer support groups and training
financial advice or support (eg. carer’s allowance)
emotional support or counselling referrals

To request a carer’s assessment, contact Imago or ask hospital staff to refer you.

Making sure you feel prepared

Before the person you care for leaves hospital, make sure:

you fully understand their needs and discharge plan
you feel confident about any tasks you will be expected to do
you know how to get help if the situation changes or becomes unmanageable

You should also be given clear information about:

medication, appointments, and follow-up care
how to contact adult social care or NHS services
what to do in an emergency

If you feel unprepared or unsure, speak to hospital staff or the discharge coordinator before they leave.

Emergency planning for carers

All carers are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place in case you are suddenly unable to provide care.

This can include:

key contact details for family, friends, or neighbours
medication lists and care instructions
information about formal care services that could step in

The Council and carer support organisations can help you create an emergency care plan.

Additional help for carers

There are many services and organisations that support carers in Lewisham, including:

local carer support groups and drop-in sessions
help with applying for carer’s allowance or other benefits
training on safe lifting, medication support, or caring for someone with dementia
access to respite care or short breaks

To find local support, visit our support directory or contact adult social care directly.

Contact information

To discuss your role as a carer, request an assessment, or find local support: Contact Lewisham Adult Social Care: tel. 020 8314 7777 or email: gateway@lewisham.gov.uk.

Published on: 01/07/2025