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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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