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If you are helping a friend or older member of your family who can no longer manage; if you help with daily needs like dressing or washing; if you take somebody to the doctors or out shopping; then you are a carer. You may be a son or daughter; a husband or a wife; an in-law; a nephew; a neighbour; a lifelong friend. You may live together; next door or in another county. If you are providing regular help and support you are a carer. For some of us, being a carer evolves. We take on more and more responsibilities, not realising just how involved we have become. For others, being a carer comes in a time of crisis, unplanned and unexpected. A sudden illness can turn an independent older person into someone who needs help with everyday activities. How do you know when help is needed? If there has been no crisis but you are concerned that help may be needed then the following may help you assess the situation:- When a crisis happens When becoming a carer happens unexpectedly it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Suddenly you have a thousand questions with no easy answers. It may be helpful to consider these pointers as you begin your journey as a carer:- Often the crisis that occurs means that your relative is admitted to a hospital. Use the time that they are hospitalised to formulate a plan for them. Make sure that you are in communication with all the people involved in your relative's care in the hospital. That means not only talking with the doctor but the nurses, the nursing auxiliaries and the therapists (if appropriate) and the social work team who will be developing a discharge plan for your relative. If it looks as if your relative is likely to return home then make any necessary repairs or modifications to make sure that their home is safe, accessible and meets his or her needs. Discuss early on if a return home is a possibility. If so, then find out what level of community support will be needed to ensure that your relative is safe and well cared for. Contact friends, neighbours and the support services in your relative's community and find out how they can be of help. If a return home is not an option, then talk to people about what other living arrangements are available. The discharge planning team based at your relative's hospital should be able to advise you about the range of housing options available - such as assisted living or a residential care home. The bottom line: If you are providing regular assistance to a friend, relative or family member, you are a carer. A break from caring when you need it most Looking after someone 24 hours a day can be very hard work, however much you care about them. It requires endless energy even when you may be feeling below par or in desperate need of a holiday yourself. "Carer" and "Cared For" are not super-human and need a break now and again. Short-term breaks can be provided: The trick is finding reliable, affordable services to temporarily take your place. And between them, the voluntary and independent sector and the local authority offer a wide range of services for short-term breaks. Some of these you can arrange directly yourself. Some of these you can arrange through Social and Caring Services. While you take a well-earned rest, the person you care for can enjoy a suitable break in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The degree of difficulty and cost to you and your family, will depend on how prepared you are. How do I start? Identify everyone who might be able to help you: Prepare well in advance of your break The bottom line: Services are already available to help people just like you. Make good use of them. West Sussex Forum resources The Short Break Bureau - Not yet available Search for care homes - Search by type of care, length of stay, source of funding. Assess you needs - A checklist to help you list your needs. Other resources Age Concern (West Sussex) Tel: 01243 775 588 The Carer's Website http://www.carers.gov.uk Carers National Association Tel: 0808 808 7777 Worthing Carer's Liaison Tel: 01903 528 600 Mid-Downs Carer's Liaison Tel: 01293 553 395 Chichester Carer's Liaison Tel: 01243 527 011 Social & Caring Services Locality Offices Adur Tel: 01273 268 800 Arun(Bognor) Tel: 01243 852 800 Arun (Littlehampton) Tel: 01903 738 900 Chichester Tel: 01243 752 999 Crawley Tel: 01293 895 100 Horsham Tel: 01403 213 100 Mid Sussex Tel: 01444 446 100 Worthing Tel: 01903 708 100 |