Perhaps the single biggest problem for older carers is loneliness, with 68 per cent of adult carers in Nottinghamshire identifying lack of social contact as a major issue. Thanks to a grant from Nottinghamshire Freemasons we have been able to launch our ‘Carers Matter’ project in April 2020 to help Make Caring Visible. Our project is aimed at carers who are aged 50 years+ to help people plan for the future, have time for themselves, and meet others facing similar challenges.
Right now, our Project Manager Catherine is focusing on supporting carers who are in urgent need due to the coronavirus crisis including helping people stay connected by telephone and online. You can read more on our project page or email Catherine at Catherine.shatwell@reachuk.org if you’d like further information.
I am undertaking some wellbeing calls each week, to carers, which has identified some carers who need regular calls to help prevent social isolation and anxieties. As meeting on a one to one basis, outside, is now allowed I can of course meet carers for socially distanced walks. It may be that we will need to work together for support to be provided for a client at the same time and may be more relevant to carers who are isolated.
Apart from wellbeing calls some examples of the type of support I have been able to provide is:-
Sourcing items that carers are struggling to obtain
Supporting with direct payment accounts
Application for blue badges
PIP assessments
Disability related expenditure queries and working with other agencies including NCC
- Liaising with CCOs and social workers
- Sharing information relevant to carers using the Carers Matter Facebook page which you are all have access to
- Support with issues such as Council Tax with NSDC
- Care and Support Assessments
- General concerns raised by carers
- Accommodation concerns
I am joining an existing carers group so if you identify anyone who may be interested in joining a carer’s group just let me know.
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