Getting support for you
Looking after your health
The unpredictability of Parkinson's can make it easy to ignore your
own quality of life and health. Support is available primarily from
your GP. As a carer you will be given special consideration because
of your role and the pressures you may experience.
Many GP surgeries have a 'carer's register'. This enables surgery
staff to identify carers and those being cared for. It can be
helpful in ensuring carers get the services they need without
having to repeatedly tell everyone about their caring role. If you
would like to find out more, contact your surgery and ask about the
register.
There are also many ways to help yourself, with gentle exercise,
hobbies and social activities. It is easy to put off making time
for yourself when you are a carer, however it is helpful to make
the time to relax.
Know your rights
Carers can benefit from recognising their own
needs. The local authority, usually through social services,
provides support for carers. These include those that can give you
a break from caring, advice and information, or equipment and
adaptations to make activities easier to manage.
Under the
Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 you have the
right to have your needs assessed by the local authority to find
out what suitable support is available. This is called a
'carer's assessment'.
The person you care for is also entitled to an assessment, called a
'care needs assessment'. This is to assess what support is
available to promote their wellbeing and independence. However, you
can have your needs assessed even if the person you care for does
not have an assessment themselves.
To request either or both assessments, contact your local social
services department, which will be listed in the phone book.
Assessments are free. However, there may be a financial assessment
to decide if there would be a charge for some services. This
depends on your individual circumstances and local criteria.
Having an assessment can result in support that is beneficial to
both you and the person with Parkinson's, equipment to make life
easier, breaks from caring, and information about wider services
and groups that may be helpful. Examples of support that is
available include help with household tasks, personal care, meals,
and respite services.
The aim of respite is to give the carer a break from their caring
role, and social stimulation for the person with Parkinson's.
Respite may take the form of a sitting service, day care or planned
breaks to a facility with care services. Equipment can help to
promote the independence of the person with Parkinson's, maintain
their safety, and reduce the need for carers to undertake tasks
that may be difficult and unsafe for them to manage, for example
helping the person you care for in and out of the bath.
Voluntary organisations
Charities and other voluntary groups exist to support people who
are carers, and those they care for. Social services will have
information on these groups, some will be listed in the phone book,
and others will be advertised locally. These groups are good
sources of information, support and sometimes offer social
events.
Courses
Courses for carers explore the
practical and emotional issues of daily life, offering
opportunities for learning new skills and meeting other
carers.
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