Carers Support
Becoming a carer is a natural choice for many family members, but over time it can become a very challenging and sometimes lonely experience.
Part of our role at St Catherine’s Hospice is to ensure that the needs of carers are not overlooked. We value and appreciate all carers and we offer a range of services designed to help those known to the Hospice as well as a drop in facility which carers not known to the Hospice are welcome to attend. We recognise the vital role of carers and aim to provide practical and emotional support.
Are You A Carer?
In this context, a Carer is someone who provides unpaid regular and substantial support to a friend, relative, partner or other person who cannot manage without help because of a physical or mental illness, disability or dependency. Support may include personal care such as washing and dressing, practical care such as feeding and helping with medication and emotional support such as providing social company.
After reading the above and feel you are a carer you are not alone as you are one of the 6.4 million carers in the UK. So why not contact us or just come along to the Carers Drop In at the Hospice on the first Tuesday of the month 1pm-3pm?
CARERS DROP IN
As a consequence of the recognition of carers we developed a Carers Drop In, in 2008 in conjunction with Chorley and South Ribble Carers 1st Service and Preston Carers Centre which is held on the first Tuesday of every month (1-3pm). This informal event welcomes all carers, regardless of whether they are connected to the Hospice or not, and provides an opportunity to chat with our Family Support Team, meet other carers and access information about carer support services in the local area.
There’s no need to book in advance but you can call for more information on 01772 629 171.
The Carers Drop In is a free event and available to ALL carers . Carers can access a range of complementary and beauty treatments, learn new I.T skills, pick up relevant information, help out with a carer’s garden plot, meet with other carers who understand how you feel, have a cuppa and a chat in a friendly atmosphere. Carers usually decide what activities they would like to have at the sessions so topics vary according to who comes along.
Links
Latest dates for Carers Drop In 1-3pm
- Tuesday 6th March - Second Meditation Session and Completion of a Carers Week 2012 survey by Skills for Care. In addition there will be Beauty and Complementary Therapy, Information & Advice, Coffee, Tea and Chat.
- Tuesday 3rd April - Third Meditation Session
- Tuesday 1st May - Fourth Meditation Session
- Tuesday 5th June - Fifth Meditation Session
- Tuesday 3rd July - Sixth Meditation Session
- Tuesday 7th August
- Tuesday 4th September
- Tuesday 2nd October
- Tuesday 6th November
- Tuesday 4th December
Carers Befriending Service
The Family Support Team (i.e. a team of qualified social workers) works closely with carers in groups and on an individual basis. There is also the possibility of helping unpaid carers to take a break of a few hours to attend to their own needs, for example, to visit their dentist, hairdressers or a friend.
To be eligible for this service, provided by St Catherine's, the ‘cared for person’ must:
- have a palliative diagnosis
- be mainly housebound
- be socially isolated
- known to existing Hospice services
The Family Support Team has provided a comprehensive training programme to six enthusiastic volunteers who have all undertaken interviews and appropriate 'checks'. The service is coordinated by the Family Support Team who make all initial assessments, and match volunteers to a person’s needs. When all assessments are complete a volunteer will sit with a cared for person in the carers absence.
We are extremely grateful to volunteers for their time and commitment and we are pleased that they find the experience rewarding. Their role includes visiting the cared for person at home at prearranged times. They sit with the cared for person providing conversation, help with hobbies, bring companionship and where appropriate engage them in social activities. The role does not include any personal care, moving and handling or domestic duties, nor does it replace any professional paid worker.We will try as far as possible to match a Befrienders interests with that of a 'cared for person'.
Are You A Carer?
After reading the above and feel you are a carer you are not alone as you are one of the 6.4 million carers in the UK. So why not contact us or just come along to the Carers Drop In at the Hospice on the first Tuesday of the month 1pm-3pm?
The Carers Drop In is a free event and available to ALL carers (as described above). Carers can access a range of complementary and beauty treatments, learn new I.T skills, pick up relevant information, help out with a carer’s garden plot, meet with other carers who understand how you feel, have a cuppa and a chat in a friendly atmosphere. Carers usually decide what activities they would like to have at the sessions so topics vary according to who comes along.
Links
Chorley & South Ribble Carers 1st Service:www.chorleyandsouthribblecvs.co.uk
Preston Carers Centre:www.prestoncarers.org.uk
Links
- www.carersuk.org - Freephone 0808 8087777
- www.scie.org.uk/publications/dementia/elearning.asp
- www.prestoncarers.org.uk - 01772 200173
- www.nhs.uk/carersdirect - Freephone 0808 8020202
- www.dwp.gov.uk - 0800 0556688
- www.direct.gov.uk
