Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) | Advice for Carers
Hospital discharge can bring mixed emotions. Of course you’re glad to have your family member home, but it is quite normal to feel a bit daunted by what lies ahead, especially if you are now the main carer. On this page we have some practical suggestion that can help you in this new role, and some help contact details and/or resources you may wish to access.
Ask for a needs assessment for the person you’re caring for |
You need this before the council can recommend services such as equipment, home adaptations, help from a paid carer, etc
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Get a carer’s assessment |
This can be requested at the same time as a needs assessment, via social services at your local council
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help |
Ask family and friends (shopping, respite, etc), and contact carers’ organisations or Citizens Advice for benefits advice and other support
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Look after yourself |
Eat a healthy diet, maintain a regular sleep pattern and make time for exercise, preferably in the fresh air or at your local gym or pool, away from the care setting
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Remember to rest |
Put some activities on hold. Take some time for yourself by arranging respite care from a friend or relative, or through social services
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Recognise limitations |
Both those of the person you’re caring for and your own. Let them try to do things for themselves if they are able, but bear in mind their safety and yours
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Look after your mental health |
Talk to each other about your experiences and frustrations during illness and recovery. Talk to your GP if either of you is struggling
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Be mindful of risks |
Be aware of temperature (cooker, iron, hot bath water, hot drinks), risk of falls due to poor balance, and dropping or spilling things due to weakness
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Diet & exercise |
If appetite and taste are affected, ask about vitamin supplements to help maintain dietary needs. Ask the community physio about exercises to do between visits
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Don’t lose sight of your relationship |
Whatever your relationship is to the person you’re caring for, make time for it. Do things together that you both enjoy and that feel ‘normal’
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Get in touch with GAIN |
We provide information and support, organise peer support via phone or video link, virtual group chats, and run an active and supportive Facebook group
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Looking after someone you love doesn’t have to mean struggling alone. There are organisations out there who offer advice and practical support to carers, so reach out and see what help is available to you.
Other sources of support CARERS
NHS advice |
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/
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Carers UK |
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Carers Scotland |
https://www.carersuk.org/scotland
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Carers Wales |
https://www.carersuk.org/wales
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Carers Northern Ireland |
https://www.carersuk.org/northernireland
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Family Carers Ireland |
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Carers Trust |
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Help for young carers |
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/young-carers/
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Citizens Advice UK |
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
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Citizens Information RoI |
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/
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Find your local social services |
England https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/ Scotland https://www.mygov.scot/find-your-local-council/ Wales https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ Northern Ireland http://online.hscni.net/social-services/ Republic of Ireland https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/ |
Welcome to our Guillain-Barré Syndrome Information Hub.
Here we breakdown what is happening to you or a loved in simple but proper terms. Our information is sourced from our Medical Advisory Board, medical texts, and recognised support providers.
If you have any questions after reading this that you feel haven’t been answered. Please get in touch with us, we will strive to point you in the right direction.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and the variants?
We discuss the basics of GBS – what it is, some of the symptoms you may experience, different types, symptom variants, Miller Fisher, and possible triggers.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) | Advice for Carers
Entering a new role as carer for a family member can be daunting. We cover some pratical suggestions, and have some useful carer support links and resources for you to access.
What is the advice surrounding vaccinations and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Containing information on vaccinations via our Medical Advisory Board and sourced journals.
My child has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Contains information on condition management, paediatric intensive care, how you can help, rehab, going home, and an indepth look at return to school.
Treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) inc. ICU and help from you
Containing information on various treatments for GBS. We explore what may happen in the ICU (such as pain management and ventilation information) and how you can help someone with GBS during their stay (such as mental stimulation, keeping them calm, help coming off the ventilator).
Mental Health, Well Being, and Work following Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Contains information on how to care for your mental health whether you’ve experienced GBS or a loved one had GBS. We discuss sexual relationships, before a section on returning to work – how to approach and talk to your employer after an absence.