Why a sea-change is needed for those looking after loved ones at home
It is estimated there are six million carers in the UK and between 70 000 to 80 000 of them are in Dorset. Older carers are the most disadvantaged group in Britain and among those saving our country GBP ~87 billion per year.
In a perfect world additional forms of support for those who may give up their lives and possibly their aspirations to care for a loved one would not need to exist. Unfortunately, as we all know, this is not the case. Perhaps you are among those carers who provide over 50 hours of care a week? Perhaps you feel 'low' and isolated? Maybe your family and friends are not as supportive as you would like? Maybe you feel let down or traumatised by 'the system'?
Our casework shows:
- Carers often feel intimidated by officialdom.
- Carers Assessments are not offered routinely.
- Carers are reluctant to claim benefits for fear of losing what entitlements they have.
- Carers are not always told about disability aids to help them care for their loved one.
- Carers tend to feel they are the only person with their loved one's best interests at heart
- Carers often feel their status as sole advocates for vulnerable adults is undermined.
- Those who have never been a carer tend to have little or no grasp of the demands and problems associated with the caregiver's role.
- Notes of official meetings often fail to reflect what was actually agreed.
Advocare's Charter for Carers
To help bring about this sea-change we are currently formulating Advocare's Charter for Carers, a unifying 'rapid response' strategy that will bridge the gap between carers' concerns and bureaucratic process.
It was established over thirteen years ago that there are three factors crucial to maintaining the quality of life of carers and those they care for, namely: adequate financial resources, appropriate respite and reliable domiciliary support. Today research shows that the majority of Britain's carers are still struggling in these areas.
Underpinned by a legal framework, Advocare's Charter for Carers is being drawn up in the light of what carers have reported to us. It will enable them to deal with their concerns proactively.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790)
If you identify with any of the above we would like to hear about your experiences. In simply knowing we are an independent organisation carers are reassured in the confidence that they can speak openly to us.
Help us bring about a sea-change for carers!
Please ring our Caring for Carers line on (01202) 737592. Together we can bring about a sea-change for carers more quickly.