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Families' page

Getting your loved one home can be an enormous relief, but it can also raise a number of questions about how much help they might need, how able you feel to support them physically and emotionally, what kind of help you might be able to get for yourself, how long they might take to make a full recovery and how you might cope financially if you need to take time off work. You might also be having some difficulties of your own as you recover from such a stressful time, and it is very common for relatives of people who have had an ICU stay to struggle with their mood for a while.

In this section, we have provided some practical information, advice and links to potential sources of help with everyday living, money and emotional support.

 

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Web Link: Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged over state pension age who need someone to help look after them.You must have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill). This link will take you to the NHS Choices web page, which will tell you more about what this allowance is, who is eligible and how to claim it.

Web Link: Careline365; careline alarm guide

A Careline alarm is perfect for anyone who could be vulnerable at home, including older people, disabled people and people with health problems. Careline alarms are especially useful for people at risk of falling. Careline alarms help these groups of people live worry-free in their own homes whilst providing comfort and peace of mind for friends and loved ones.

Web Link: Community Care Assessment

If you think you, or someone you know, needs help to cope day-to-day, the first step is to get a needs assessment from your local council. The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one. This help could include getting equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm, changes to your home such as a walk-in shower, practical help from a paid carer, access to day centres and lunch clubs or moving to a care home.

Web Link: Critical Care Support Network

The Critical Care Support Network is a charity set up for anyone who has experienced critical illness with a stay in any intensive care or HDU. They support former patients, their family and those close to them. They have a range of activities, including: online peer-support (where recovering patients and/or their family and friends can attend a meeting where people discuss their experiences), online exercise classes - from a class suitable for people who have recently been discharged...

Web Link: ICU Diaries - family experiences of keeping a diary

This link will take you to the Healthtalkonline website and their page on the use of diaries in Intensive Care. Here, you can watch short videos and listen to voice files on other people's experiences of keeping a diary for their loved one.

External Video: Post Intensive Care Syndrome Family

This video examples what the symptoms are of Post Intensive Care Syndrome Family. It is not uncommon for families to suffer from poor health themselves, as having a loved one in ICU is a stressful and very emotional experience. It explains why this happens and how to seek help

Web Link: Support and benefits for carers

This link will take you to the NHS page on support for carers. You'll find trustworthy information on carers' rights, carers' assessments, benefits for carers, breaks and respite care, and support for young carers.

Web Link: Support services for carers

This link will take you to the website of Carers' Trust. They offer online information and advice on a whole range of issues, including: respite care looking after yourself a "help directory" of local support a lively forum and chat room where you can talk online to other carers.

Web Link: Top tips for a good night's sleep

Sleep and rest are effective ways to reduce the symptoms of fatigue. However, a good night’s sleep isn’t always easily achieved. Despite being extremely tired, many people have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early in the morning. A lack of sleep has many negative effects on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, especially in the early stages of brain injury recovery. It may also exacerbate some of the symptoms of the brain injury, such as...

Web Link: UK Government Information; Personal Independent Payment

This link provides information on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme