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NHS Carer Support UK 2026 — Unpaid Carers, Respite & Hospital Discharge Guide
Complete guide to NHS carer support in the UK — unpaid carer identification, respite care provision, hospital discharge support, carer assessment, and carer support software.
There are 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, saving the economy £162 billion per year. NHS hospitals must identify, support, and involve carers in care and discharge planning.
NHS Carer Support Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Legislation |
|---|---|---|
| Carer identification | Identify and record unpaid carers in patient records | Care Act 2014 |
| Carer involvement | Involve carers in care planning and discharge | Care Act 2014 |
| Carer assessment signposting | Signpost carers to local authority assessment | Care Act 2014 |
| Carer-friendly policies | Flexible visiting, carer passport, parking | NHS England guidance |
| Discharge support | Ensure carer ready and able to provide care at home | Care Act 2014 |
| Carer training | Provide training for caring tasks (e.g., wound care, medication) | NHS England guidance |
| Respite information | Provide information about respite care options | Care Act 2014 |
Hospital Carer Support Actions
- Carer identification: Ask every patient: 'Do you have someone who helps care for you?' and record in EHR
- Carer passport: Issue carer passport for flexible visiting, parking, meals
- Carer board: Display carer information boards on wards
- Discharge planning: Involve carer in discharge planning from admission
- Carer readiness assessment: Assess carer's ability and willingness to provide care at home
- Training: Provide training for caring tasks before discharge (medication, wound care, mobility)
- Signposting: Signpost to local carer centre, Carers UK, Carers Trust
- Respite planning: Discuss respite options and emergency contingency plans
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many unpaid carers are there in the UK?
- There are 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK (2021 census), up from 4.3 million in 2011. Unpaid carers save the UK economy £162 billion per year — equivalent to the entire NHS budget. 1.3 million carers provide 50+ hours of care per week.
- What is a carer assessment?
- Under the Care Act 2014, all unpaid carers have the right to a carer assessment by their local authority. The assessment identifies the carer's needs, what support they need to continue caring, and what respite or support services should be provided. NHS staff must signpost carers to assessment.
- How should NHS hospitals support carers?
- NHS hospitals must: 1) Identify and record unpaid carers, 2) Involve carers in discharge planning, 3) Provide carer information and support, 4) Offer carer-friendly hospital policies (flexible visiting, carer passport), 5) Signpost to carer support services, 6) Provide training for caring tasks at discharge.