Why carers need care
Around six million (one in ten) adults in the UK are carers. Older carers are the most disadvantaged group in Britain and among those who save this country more than GBP 87 billion a year. Our research shows that many carers feel undervalued and disempowered when their needs are not being met or their rights are not addressed effectively.
It was over thirteen years ago that the University of Wales identified three factors that are crucial in caregiving:
- Adequate financial resources;
- Appropriate domestic support;
- Regular respite breaks.
Today the resources so necessary to maintain the carer's own quality of life and that of their loved-one are becoming increasingly scarce. Compounded by longevity and the continuing reduction in care home placements, as the demand for unpaid carers increases, so do the demands placed upon them.
In the Poole area alone there are approximately 16 600 people looking after someone who is frail, sick, disabled or suffering from dementia. Bournemouth has a similar population and with Dorset's 42 000 carers there is a total of between 70 000 to 80 000 across the county. They are a largely 'invisible' population whose needs tend to be assessed and addressed within the ever-narrowing parameters of existing services
Perhaps you know someone who needs help but does not regard themselves as a carer?
Many carers do not want to be identified; even those who do, often lack the knowledge of who to ask for help and how to ask for it. Some are afraid of claiming benefits for fear of losing what entitlements they already have. Others are unable to deal effectively with problematic care providers.
Advocare can make representations to the appropriate bodies on the carer's behalf and protect their interests. In simply knowing we are an independent organisation, carers are reassured in the confidence that they can speak openly to us. We endeavour to do our utmost to protect their interests and those of their loved one.
Even though long-term stress is known to impact adversely on our health, carers are more likely to be prescribed medication for stress-related conditions than offered sources of psychological or emotional support. Using our specialised skills and insights we have developed specially-tailored group and individual programmes to reduce stress for carers and former carers which bring about a change in outlook.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790)
In safeguarding their emotional and psychological wellbeing Advocare helps to prevent carers from becoming patients themselves.
For more details about Advocare - Caring for Carers please contact Cathey on (01202) 737592.