What support is available for family carers?
Caring for a family member who needs support is tough going and often is a lonely part of life.
My family were lucky in that we shared the responsibility really well, when it came to caring for my mother in law throughout her cancer battle. My father in law was her rock and there to take the majority of it all on, me and my husband did loads of the hospital runs – there were so many! Bare in mind we lived in Colchester and she went to Addenbrookes in Cambridge. We took turns in taking night shifts when she was really ill, and she had good ol’ Aunty Barb and Aunty Bev there to support her on the phone when she needed a good two hour chat, daily! As a family, we laughed, we cried, we made the most of every day we had with her and fit in some amazing adventures when she was feeling brighter.
I wont sit and talk about my experience all day, it’s not that at all – it’s about what I learnt and what I continue to learn daily at work.
So lets look at what is available for you, whether you are in a short term position or long term carer role then you need to know you aren’t alone, even if it seems the world is on your shoulders.
Where's the money coming from to help me?
I might as well start with this as it is usually the number one thing you think about when you hear the word “support”
There are options available and there are networks that can help you.
First up, look at specific groups connected to your loved one, ie. Parkinsons UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dementia UK.
These organisations all have some fantastic resources available and they have helplines. Sometimes all you need is someone to chat things through with. As they are all charities they wont charge for their services (of course, if you wanted to donate they would appreciate!)
Look next at what social care resources are available in your local area, if you aren’t sure who your local authority is exactly go to this gov.uk website Find your local council – GOV.UK and use the postcode of the person you are supporting. Each council will have a section on their website that covers adult social care.
I’ll use Suffolk County Council website as an example as they are my local authority and I know them well!
I will say, most local authorities are stretched really thin at the moment and they make take some time in getting to you and assessing your loved ones needs. So the earlier you get on radar the better.
Most local authorities will look at the finances your loved one has available and decide if they need to pay for care or if it is funded. If they are paying for the care then they will then need to get it approved, so as you can imagine – this whole process is not always quick.
I will elaborate on other ways shortly, but this is a starter for ten.
