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Preparing for swine flu - info for carers

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If you feel that you'd like to be prepared in case you are unlucky enough to get swine flu this year, you might be interested in this information I've received from Manchester City Council...
Carers can plan for an emergency as part of a Carer's Needs Assessment. In the assessment, they can discuss how they would like the person that they care for to be looked after if they become ill or their situation changes and there is also the option to have an emergency sitting service available as back-up. The assessment is simply a discussion about their needs as a carer and, as well as planning for an emergency, it gives carers the chance to find out about other services that could help them in their caring role. To request a Carer's Needs Assessment, carers can simply call Manchester's Contact Service on 0161 255 8250.
Carers should also find themselves a flu-friend or flu-friends who understand their caring role and, as well as being able to assist the carer, may be able to take on some of the caring responsibilities. The attached Flu-friend Flyer allows carers to keep a list of their flu-friends.
Carers can also find out more information about swine flu and caring (including information about flu jabs) at www.nhs.uk/carersdirect or call the Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 for information if they feel unwell.
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