Caring for Carers is a partnership between Improving Lives Plymouth and Age UK Plymouth. They understand how difficult looking after someone can be and they’re ready and able to help.
Often, people who care regularly for others don’t even consider themselves to be ‘carers’ and so miss out on a lot of support – if that sounds like you, or someone you know, please read on – it could literally change your life.
Carers often become socially isolated, run down and even stressed trying to care for friends and family with an illness or disability. Help is available but most people do not have the time or knowledge to be able to access it. That’s where Caring for Carers comes in.
Louise Olliver first contacted them in 2017, and says her life has been transformed as a result. Her husband suffered life-changing injuries whilst serving in the forces in Afghanistan.
There is help on hand from the Caring for Carers staff and volunteers to answer questions and update people on more help that’s available to them.
Formerly an active, sports-loving man, ranked in the top 35 fencers in the UK, he now suffers from constant pain and depression, cannot walk unaided or drive, and needs a lot of support from Louise every day.
“For seven years I just tried to manage,” said Louise. “I did not know there was any help available. No-one really tells you. I was exhausted and lonely, and just about coping. Then by chance I found Caring for Carers and made an enquiry, not expecting much. I am so glad I did. They responded quickly and set up a meeting to assess my needs. The help started straight away with them helping me to get financial assistance.”
Since then Louise has had plenty of advice and support, and it’s the little things as well as the bigger things that are adding up to make a significant difference to Louise’s quality of life, and her husband’s – simple things like having his hearing aid batteries replaced quickly at the Sensory Solutions service (also run by Improving Lives) – a job that used to mean trips to hospital with lengthy queues and parking difficulties.
As well as much needed practical help and advice, one of the biggest improvements has been to her social life, which had become severely restricted. She enjoys monthly Carers’ meetings with others who are in similar circumstances. There is help on hand from the Caring for Carers staff and volunteers to answer questions and update people on more help that’s available to them.
“The meetings are special,” said Louise, “I’ve made new friends who understand me. We’ve been out for meals together using Carers’ Card discounts, and even gone bowling. The staff care, it’s not just about numbers – everyone I’ve met has been genuine, kind and friendly, as well as knowing what they’re talking about when it comes to the support that I can get.”
Like many carers, Louise felt she did not want to be a burden. But there is so much help available and as far as Louise is concerned, finding the service is one of the best things that’s happened to her and her husband in the last eight years.
Advice and assessments are given confidentially and for free, and it’s up to you how much or how little help you want to receive.
If you’re over 18 and look after a partner, family member, or friend with an illness or disability, you can ask for a statutory carer’s assessment to look at how caring affects you and the sort of help you need.
Advice and assessments are given confidentially and for free, and it’s up to you how much or how little help you want to receive.
Friday November 30 is Carers Rights Day and this year there will be a free Know Your Rights event from 11am to 3pm in the Drake Room, Lower Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Plymouth PL1 2BJ. This is a great way to get a host of carers information including legal, advocacy, mental health and benefits advice. Free therapy taster sessions will also be available throughout the day.
The Caring for Carers Service supports carers through the provision of: Information and Advice; Drop-in/Support Groups: Leisure and Social Activities; Workshops/Training; Carers Card Discounts; Regular Newsletters.
To find out more or to book a carers assessment contact 01752 201890, email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk or visit www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
