Carers
Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care, for a friend, partner or family member. They may be older, unwell, have a disability, a mental health problem It could be for just a few hours a week or round the clock. Many people act as Carers without even thinking about the role they perform. This caring relationship will have an impact on the lives of both parties; it can improve immeasurably the life of the cared-for person, and can be a source of satisfaction for the care-giver. But often the carer's situation and prospects are affected in a negative way by the caring role.
- Why are carers important?
The Trust Values carers they might be the only constant in an individual's life. The carer knows the service user best, especially their full potential when well, and is the person least likely to give up. The carer helps us to see the service user as an individual, often has a perspective on every aspect of the person's life, and can be a spokesperson for someone unable to describe their own situation, whether they are well or unwell.
Carers can play an important role in encouraging service users to be independent and to regain control of their lives. They can help us ensure that the care plan is appropriate and is happening the way it's supposed to; warn us when there is risk or when relapse is imminent; pull together information about all the factors in the service user's life. Carers can contribute their expertise and experience to our long-term planning. Working with carers helps us to achieve the best outcomes not only for the service user but also for our staff and services in general.
- Carers Assessments
It is a legal requirement for carers to be offered an assessment at least once a year. This does not mean that someone is judging how good you are at looking after the person you care for. It is simply a way of making sure that your own needs are looked after.
The Assessment examines ways to reduce the stress, worry and demanding workloads that many carers experience. It can be a very useful way of improving the difficult aspects of caring. This assessment may assist you to get the support that you need, which may include a break from caring, emotional support, or signposting to various organisations. If you feel that you may benefit from a Carers Assessment then please contact your local carer’s service using the link below.
- Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre (Including young carers)
Tel: 01942 705959
- Useful links
Carers UK
https://www.carersuk.orgCarers UK Help and Advice
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/talk-to-usCarers
https://www.gov.uk/carers-ukCarers: Help and support
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/carers-help-and-support/Care and Support
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI75TL7dbA7QIVDbbtCh0cSQR1EAAYBCAAEgIOHPD_BwE - Support for Carers during a hospital stay
The hospital has a Carers Hospital Support Worker and their aim is to offer help, information and advice to carers, while they or the person they care for is in hospital.
Who is a carer?
A carer is a person who looks after a family member, relative, partner, neighbour or friend who needs help due to ill health, old age, disability, drug or alcohol misuse or who has mental health problems. You do not have to live with the person nor do you have to be the only one who helps support them.You may not think of your self as a carer, you may have been caring for a few months or a number years.
Valuing carers within a hospital environment
If you or the person you are looking after is going into hospital, is already in hospital or is attending an out patients appointment, you may find this a very worrying and stressful time. You may need help, support and back-up, and may not always know where to turn.You may find it useful to think about:
- Has the staff recognised you as a carer?
- Have you been told what you need to know about their health problem/s and medication?
- Do you know how to look after them when they leave hospital?
- Do you know who to contact if you need more help?
- Have you been involved in any discussions about their care whilst they are in hospital and about what will happen when they leave hospital?
- Have you been given a choice in whether or not you are able to provide support and care?
- How you can access an assessment of your needs as a carer?
- Has anyone talked to you about services and regular breaks from caring, so you get time for yourself?
If no one has talked to you about these things and you would like more information follow the link to the Carers Support Team web page:
Visit the Wigan Council Carers websiteFor further details please contact:
Carers Support Team
E-mail ssdcarers@wigan.gov.uk
Opening Hours 8.45am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Phone Number: 01942 705983
Fax: 01942 705960
Address:
Hyndelle Lodge
King Street
Hindley
Wigan
WN2 3AW - Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre
A Carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support
The Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre are able to offer carers support both practically and emotionally by:
- Access to community care services and Care Assessments
- Your Rights as a Carer
- Outreach Worker
- Carer Support Worker
- How to access Grants
- Counselling
- Benefits and finances
- Employment issues
- Advocacy
- Practical help
- Holistic therapies
- Podiatry treatments
- Support groups
- Befriending Service
- Coffee Mornings
For more information contact us on 01942 705959.
Web: http://www.wiganandleighcarerscentre.org.uk/
Facebook: WiganLeighCarers.Alternatively you can call into the Carer’s Centre from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm. The address is 3-5 Frederick Street, Hindley, Wigan WN6 3BD
WLCC Reg Charity No: 1138908
Newsletters
