Carer NewsWelcome to Carers Week and the launch of CABA Carer News. By the time this has rolled off the press and arrived with you the Queens Diamond Jubilee, the bunting and street parties will be a distant and happy memory. So now, with summer

days stretching out ahead we hope you’re planning a couple of days in front of the TV cheering on your favourite competitors at the Olympics or for the lucky ones looking forward to a great day out at the Olympic Stadium or a venue across the country.

For the quiet few moments you may have, we have put together the first of our Carer newsletters. We hope you have an opportunity to read and enjoy it.

Cathy Mackle, Carer Support Officer CABA

In sickness and in health

T here has been a lot of coverage in the news recently surrounding the health and

wellbeing of unpaid carers in the UK. There are currently around six million British carers who are looking after ill or disabled family members or friends, and that number is set to increase by 3.4 million over the next 10 years.

Unpaid carers are often not aware of the support available to them which means many are not seeking the help they require. This can especially add stress and pressure to those caring for people with long-term health conditions.

Recent research undertaken by the Carers Trust showed that caring can have a serious impact on your own wellbeing with 6 out of 10 carers stating that it has had a negative effect on their own career and health. Over half of those polled said their own mental health has suffered, and over a quarter experience both physical and mental health issues.

Cathy Mackle, Carer Support Officer at CABA comments: “If you spend a lot of time caring for someone you can sometimes neglect your own needs. Being a carer is rewarding but also very demanding. It can use up a lot of time

and energy. Try to always keep a little bit of time for yourself and be aware of your own restrictions so that you can look after your own health and wellbeing. Also, don’t be scared about asking for help”.

The research also highlighted that two out of three carers had not sought available external help such as counselling or respite and instead relied on support from family and friends. In addition, 6 out of ten carers who had been caring for more than five years hadn’t asked for extra support.

Carers UK advise people to inform their GP when they begin caring so that they can be offered the best possible support.

Cathy continues: “Carers should always ask for help. There is lots of advice and support out there and it should be taken advantage of. Huge national organisations such as Age UK and Carers Trust offer help, guidance and respite care. Being able to take some time out for yourself is essential – even if it is just for a few hours a week”.

'6 out of ten carers who had been caring for more than five years hadn't asked for extra support.'

'Try to always keep a little bit of time for yourself and be aware of your own restrictions...'

Case story

Hilary (85) has cared for long-term partner Lesley (90) since early 1980, following a serious

accident that resulted in right-side paralysis and no mobility. 30 years on, and with deteriorating mental and physical health issues, coupled with the original injuries sustained in the accident, Lesley now requires 24 hour, seven days a week care.

Despite support from Social Services, who provide three 30 minute calls per day, and a District Nurse regularly monitoring Lesley’s health problems, Hilary provides all other personal care and the constant administering of medication, a situation that leaves Hilary feeling physically and emotionally exhausted.

Although Hilary and Lesley have a pension income, years of buying in care have slowly eroded their savings, and with Hilary’s health suffering under the strain of caring responsibilities, a good break was desperately needed. But with no means of funding it the only breaks he got were courtesy of a respite allowance from the local authority allowing the occasional ‘night off’ once a month.

Having contacted CABA for support, financial assistance was requested to help pay for Hilary to spend a week away visiting friends and for funding alternative care for Lesley during Hilary's absence. CABA provided a one-off donation to fund the trip away and the care provision, partly in recognition of Lesley’s care needs being substantial but also because of the physical and emotional stress experienced by Hilary as carer.

Great websites

Date for your diaryOlder persons month October 2012

An international month celebrating and appreciating the achievements, aspirations and experiences of older people. Last year 1 million people took part in 4,000 events across the UK. Keep checking the websites below and your local council for further information about events in your area.

SOURCE www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-older-persons-day

SOURCE www.campaigns.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/fulloflife

Are you a film buff?

If you or the person you care for is then you could save yourself some money with the Cinema Exhibitors’

Association Card. It’s a national card for people with disabilities which entitles you to one free cinema ticket when accompanied by another. To apply for the card you will need to:

a Be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance and/or.

B Be a registered blind person.

When applying you will need to include a passport-sized photo which will appear on the card and a £5.50 processing fee is chargeable per card. Full details of how to apply can be found on their website: www.ceacard.co.uk

www.ageuk.org.uk

www.carerstrust.org.uk

www.carersuk.org

caba.org.uk

I S S U E O N E S U M M E R 2 0 1 2

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Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 5970606. Charity No. 1116973.

R ecent years have seen the rise in production of tablet computers and they seem to be taking the

world by storm. Tablets, and iPads in particular, appear to be having unexpected benefits for children with special needs. They are a great new learning tool and CABA has recently received a number of requests for them from parents with disabled children.

Christine, mother of Jessie who we have recently supported with the purchase of an iPad says:

“When the iPad was first launched I don’t think anyone could have predicted how appropriate it would be for children with learning difficulties. Now there are so many apps being designed specifically for our children. It’s definitely the new ‘must-have’ gadget that finally gives them the chance to shine”.

The last 18 months has seen an explosion in the development of tablet applications for children with special needs. The apps can support learning and development in literacy, numeracy, communication, speech, art, music and social skills to name a few. There are millions of apps on the market with an estimated 600 new releases every day. With the majority of apps being fairly cheap, if not free, there is no wonder that so many people are embracing the new technology.

Christine continues: “So many of my friends who have children with Down’s Syndrome have reported fabulous improvements in their children’s literacy, numeracy and fine motor skills since starting to use an iPad. I would dearly love for Jessie to benefit in the same way”.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to CABA for considering this item for my daughter. I know she will benefit enormously from having this extra educational tool at her disposal. Having a super-protective case also means I am confident sending it into school with her for use during the day”, said Christine.

If you’re thinking about getting an iPad and would like to know about the apps available for people with special needs then a starter list can be seen at caba.org.uk. If you think we may be able to assist you with purchasing a tablet to support your child's disability, please call us on 01788 556366.

C aring can often be difficult and use up a lot of your time, and your own needs - emotional and

physical, can be ignored. Carers who provide a significant amount of care on a regular basis can ask their local authority for a carer’s assessment.

The carer’s assessment can take place whether or not the person you care for requires help from the local authority. It is for you as a carer and the assessment will not scrutinise your ability. It is a chance to tell a professional what it is like for you as a carer, and an opportunity to discuss your own needs. It also touches on how much caring you can realistically do whilst still allowing you to be involved in other activities outside caring, and identify any help you may need.

The carer’s assessment may be able to identify something that relates just to you and your wellbeing. Your local authority may have a budget towards the costs of leisure activities, a respite break, or some other opportunities to enable you to continue to enjoy other activities outside of your caring role.

SOURCE www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/guide/assessments/pages/carersassessments.aspx

SOURCE www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-help/care-and-support/carers-assessment

U nexpected events and emergencies, although not planned are inevitable and often

part of our lives. For carers there are more responsibilities and worries about what would happen if you were met with an emergency. If you can’t be there, then who will fill the gap?

You could set up an emergency plan to give you and the person you care for some peace of mind should an emergency happen. Your plan should include:

• Fullcontactdetailsofthepersonyou care for

• Whoyouandthepersonyoucarefor would like to be contacted in an emergency – this might include friends, family or professionals

• Listofmedicationthepersonyoucare for is taking

• Detailsofanyon-goingtreatmentthey need

Many local councils run emergency card schemes. Carers are asked to register with them and a worker will guide you through and help to draw up a contingency plan for when an emergency occurs. This is then held with the council who will trigger the contingency plan when an emergency arises and will provide 24-hour support. Not all areas run an emergency card scheme, so contact your local council for more information. We can also work with you to see what’s available in your area.

The rise of the tablet

In the event of an emergency

Have you been assessed? Did you know? If you are a carer then you may be able to reduce your council tax bill. Reductions include:

• Exemption – you will not have to pay council tax on any properties which are no longer occupied (either previously occupied by someone who received care or provided care for another person)

• Discounts– there are a number of different discounts which can be applied to council tax (up to 50% discount)

• Disabilityreduction – council tax bills can be reduced if a disabled person lives in the property, however there is certain criteria which applies to this. This can either reduce the council tax by one band (e.g C to B) or by 1/6th if the property falls in the lowest band.

You would need to speak to your local council to apply and you can also ask for it to be backdated to when you first qualified.

You can request an assessment by

contacting your local adult social care team directly or call CABA

Carer Support who will help you find them.

BUSINESS CARD

SOURCE www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-help/planning-for-emergencies

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CABA Carer Support TeamWe understand that life throws all sorts of challenges at us but you should never feel you have to deal with them alone. CABA can be a source of advice and support when you face difficult situations and decisions about health and care.

During office hours please contact Cathy and Sara in our Carer Support Team on 01788 556 366 or for 24 hour counselling and legal advice support call freephone* 0800 107 6163.

*Some mobile operators may charge for an 0800 number.

Keep this card safe at home.