- Caring for someone is an important and valuable role which can be isolating and demanding. Carers are often ’hidden’ – looking after a family member, friend or neighbour with day to day tasks – and may not think of themselves as carers.
They may care for people with a variety of conditions, including:
- frailty in old age
- mental health problems, including dementia
- physical disability
- learning disability
- chronic childhood disease
- dependency on drugs and/or alcohol.
We know this can be a difficult job and would like to try to ensure you and the person you care for get all the support needed, such as information on benefits, respite care and a listening ear when things get too much.
If you do care for somebody, be it a friend or family member, please fill out a carer’s referral form which can be obtained from the reception desk or downloaded from here and return it to reception.
There is a network of different professionals and organisations providing a wide variety of services and support, which can help carers. These include:
- community nursing services
- occupational therapy, equipment, and other services available via social services
- home care services provided by the Red Cross, Crossroads, the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service and other voluntary organisations
- advocacy and counselling services
- local carers’ groups, which range from small self-help groups to larger local organisations offering a range of support such as information, advice, training for carers such as stress management, advocacy and social activities.
Further Information
- The Princess Royal Trust for Carers www.carers.org
- Carers UK http://www.carersuk.orgonline.org.uk/ or telephone 0808 808 7777