Advocare - Caring for Carers
Advocare was set up by a small group of carers and former carers to help unpaid family caregivers. Run by carers for carers, Advocare - Caring for Carers is as far as we know the only charity of its kind in the country that enables carers to have a free voice.
Anyone over the age of eighteen who is or has been an unpaid carer looking after a frail, sick or disabled loved one may become a member of Advocare.
Why come to us?
Having been carers ourselves we appreciate some of the stresses involved in caring. Carers know they can speak openly to us. We help them to find new strategies for dealing with the demands of their caregiving role. For those concerned about the care their loved one is receiving from others we help them to see that they do have options. For carers who feel 'stuck' when their caregiving role has ended we help them to pick up the threads of their own lives again .
The following are some of the practical issues we've recently been helping carers to deal with:
- Requesting a Carers Assessment;
- Inclusion on the Carers Register;
- Arranging Lasting Power of Attorney;
- Obtaining reliable, appropriate home care;
- Small-scale financial help;
- The Disability Related Expenditure assessment;
- What to do when the care provided is unsatisfactory;
- Obtaining respite care;
- Accessing free NHS funded continuing health care;
- The option for vulnerable people receiving long-term nursing care at home;
- The Deferred Payment Charge;
- How to deal with issues of abuse or neglect by paid care workers;
- Complaints processes.
Our Caring for Carers service
Our Caring for Carers service is free to all members of Advocare. We value unpaid carers both as individuals and for the work they do. We offer an independent, confidential listening ear and
- Provide information, advocacy and support.
- Empower carers to speak up for themselves.
- Hold free carer-centred workshop sessions in Poole according to demand.
- Run Advocare's Assert programme which enables carers and former carers to get back in touch with 'who they are'. The Assert programme runs periodically in Poole.
- Arrange free counselling when required with a fully trained counsellor.
Our Advocarers Group
Advocarers meet on a regular basis in Poole. This group enables carers and former carers to meet up and make new friends. They also act as a reference group for new developments in Advocare. Advocarers like to use their collective wisdom and experience to improve the 'lot' of fellow-carers.
Advocarers do not need to attend all the meetings, but are aware that someone is always there to 'phone if they feel in need of a friendly, supportive listening ear. Sometimes we we have guest speakers or a Caring for Carers workshop. From time to time we organise informal social events where we can exchange news and views and find out how members are getting on. There are also training opportunities for those who are interested.
If you would like to know more about any of the above, please contact Cathey on our Caring for Carers line: (01202) 737592. We look forward to meeting you soon.
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