Carers' Concerns

Carers generally come to Advocare because they are struggling with the demands of their caregiving role or have serious concerns about their loved-one. Often they are tearing their hair out after trying in vain to obtain a satisfactory resolution to their problem. Some feel intimidated by officialdom and fear 'upsetting applecarts'. By actively listening to the experiences of carers we gain their trust and help them to realise that they do have options. We can also provide advocacy by writing letters or speaking on their behalf and accompanying them to case conferences and meetings.

How do you feel as a carer?

• Are you concerned about your loved one?
• Is the care your loved one is receiving unsatisfactory?
• Do you feel let down by the 'system'
• Do you feel isolated in your caregiving role?
• Are you living in dread of a crisis?
• Are you struggling to get appropriate services?
• Do you feel you're fighting against time?
• Do you put your own health at risk in an emergency?
• Are you striving to prevent a loved one going into residential care?
• Do you feel you cannot ask and don't know who to ask for help?
• Do you feel you are regarded merely as a resource?
• Do you feel afraid to ask for financial help in case you lose what benefits you have?

How do you feel as a former carer?

• Do you feel isolated?
• Do you feel worn down?
• Do you feel unable to 'move on' now that you're no longer caring full-time?

If your answer is 'yes' to any of these questions, perhaps we can offer help and support relevant to your unique situation.

You are not alone - don't suffer in silence!

Below are some of the practical issues we have recently helped carers deal with:

• Requesting a Carers Assessment;
• Inclusion on the carers register;
• Obtaining reliable, appropriate home care for a loved-one;
• Obtaining an assessment for Disability Related Expenditure;
• Accessing respite care;
• Arranging Lasting Power of Attorney;
• Accessing free NHS-funded continuing health care;
• What to do when the care your loved-one is receiving is unsatisfactory;
• How to deal with issues of abuse or neglect;
• The Social Services complaints process;
• The NHS complaints process;
• What to do when the complaints process doesn't work or is being dragged out.

If any of the above applies to your situation, perhaps we can assist you by providing information or advocacy?

If you would like to talk to Cathey in confidence please ring our Caring for Carers line: (01202) 737592.