Carers

Partners/parents are often not asked for their opinion, yet as they are there, there is a great expectation that they will take on the caring role and look after their loved ones.

Partners / parents worry for the future especially should something happen to them what would happen to the person they are caring for?  Financial aspects cause major worry as being disabled is expensive, causing lack of earnings as they are looking after somebody and unable to work or claim any benefits. This can lead to frustrations at the ‘system’ as it takes so long to organise, plan and get any action.

For parents an added concern may be the needs of the children who are well, as hospital visits and looking after the needs of the disabled child seem to take priority.

Its not all bad news, there can be good points, as families are brought closer together to work out ways to manage the situation.

Useful Websites

Contact a family
Provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children no matter what the condition or disability.

Carers UK
CarersUKis the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation for carers.  CarersLine is Carers UK’s free advice line for carers.

Crossroads
Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for carers and the people they care for. They help carers make a life of their own outside caring.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
For nearly 20 years, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has been fighting to provide carers with the support they so desperately need. The Trust understands that few of us plan to become carers, so when a caring role starts, every carer needs an expert to guide them through the maze of services, rules and entitlements. For a carer, this can make the difference between keeping and losing their job, or between staying healthy and collapsing under the stress.
http://www.carers.org/

 

Home Start
Helping parents build better lives for their children. They help to increase the confidence and independence of families by: Visiting families in their own homes to offer support, friendship and practical assistance, reassuring parents that their childcare problems are not unusual or unique, encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional well-being for the ultimate benefit of their children, trying to get the fun back into family life.
http://www.home-start.org.uk/

Paralysis resource centre: Caregivers
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4453201/k.1BO8/Caregivers.htm

Your help

If you have any ideas that help you in some way, or you would like to tell your experience. Let us know, it may help others, email wcft.nmo.advice@nhs.net