Information for the public
Families and carers
Families and carers
Involving your family or carer
It can be helpful for a family member or carer to know about what you are going through and any risks that you may face, and to understand things from your point of view. They can also be involved in helping to make decisions about your care, if you agree.
Information and support for families and carers
Your care team should:
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Give your family or carer information (both written and spoken) about bipolar disorder, including symptoms, treatment and the care teams who will provide your treatment.
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Talk together with you and your family or carer about how they can be involved in your care and treatment.
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Tell your family or carer about the different kinds of support they can call on, and how they can get help in a crisis.
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Offer your family or carer an assessment of their own needs and, if needed, make a plan with them about their own care. Your care team should update their plan every year.
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Tell your family or carer about their right to a carer's assessment by social care services, and explain how to arrange this.
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Offer your family or carer education and support. This may be part of a family intervention.