Who can help? - key sources of information for older and disabled people (view report contents)
Caring for someone
Q. I need help caring for my wife. Who can I go to for advice? Is there anywhere to go for help with money?
National and local care agencies
Caring for someone is often a full time and stressful job. If you are a carer you can get help and even a short break.
As a carer you can ask your local authority for an assessment. This will cover any equipment or help or money you may need. After this, the authority will help you with anything they accept you need.
Carers UK provides information for carers through publications and a helpline. They have over 100 local branches and may be able to provide help in other ways. Freephone the CarersLine 0808 808 7777 (Wednesday and Thursday only 10 a.m. - 12 and 2 - 4 p.m.)
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers provides help and support to carers through a network of centres. For details call 020 7480 7788.
The United Kingdom Home Care Association - represents organisations that provide care in peoples’ own homes. They have lists of local members who provide home care, either as volunteers or on a paid basis - 020 8288 1551.
Choosing care in your home - free leaflet giving guidance for people wanting to arrange for professional care. From the United Kingdom Home Care Association 020 8288 1551
Q. Can anyone care for my husband while I have a short break?
Respite and holiday care schemes
Your local authority may be able to arrange for respite care - someone who can take over while you have a short break. In practice, however, respite care is thin on the ground. Some local authorities charge for this service unless you can show you cannot afford to pay.
Crossroads - provides respite care for the carers. A trained person will take over for a while to give you a break. For details of local schemes call 01788 573 653. Click here to go to Crossroads website.
Vitalise
(used to be the Winged Fellowship Trust) is a national charity providing
breaks for disabled adults, children and where carers can take a break
at five accessible UK Centres in Cornwall, Nottingham, Southport, Essex
and Southampton. Telephone: 0845 345 1970. Click
here to go to Vitalise
website.
Page updated July 2007
Report contents
Introduction
Communication
Caring for someone
Getting
around outside
Holidays
and clubs
Legal
advice
Making
your home easier to live in
Money
More
information and advice
