Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 85

August / September 2008

Carers Week 2008

Carers were “waiting with mouths open” for the food tasting session! The church services were well attended and most enjoyable. We have identified more carers than ever before during this year's Carers Week, noticeable most especially as an outcome of our GP surgery work.

Helping you through a hospital stay

We have an information booklet to help older people understand and manage the feelings, anxieties and concerns they may have when they are entering or leaving hospital. It suggests how they can be involved in their treatment and care, and in planning for the return home. For a copy ring Carers' Support Service.

An Employee's Guide to Work and Caring

Carers UK have produced a booklet for people who are trying to balance their work and their caring responsibilities. This booklet gives advice about such subjects as flexible working, the right to take time off in emergencies, and benefits. For a copy please ring Carers UK's publications line on 0845 241 0963.

Information for carers of people with a learning disability

Members of the Learning Disability Carers Subgroup have recently developed a new information pack for carers of people with a learning disability. A copy of this will be given to every carer at the next assessment or review of either their own needs or those of the person they care for. If you would like to receive a copy earlier, please contact the Carers Support Service.

The Subgroup is also looking at the type of support that carers in this age group need. One of the first things we are working on is an Emergency Plan, which will set out the type of support that the person you care for will need if you are unable to look after them at short notice. If you have any thoughts on this, please let the Carers Support Service know.

Continuing Health Care

The fight for continuing care home fees to be paid by the NHS or a Local Authority remains a consuming nightmare for thousands of carers and their families. Everything hinges on the definition and interpretation of the ruling as to whether the primary need for care is a health need. For further information ring the Primary Care Trust on 346271.

No one to get your library books for you?

Darlington Public Library, with the WRVS, have a scheme called Home Reader Service for those people unable to leave the house and visit the library. A volunteer with the WRVS will visit the reader, get a list of required books, and will then visit the library, get the books, and deliver them to the reader. For further information contact the Library on 462034.

Alzheimer's Society

We are working with new staff at the Darlington and Teesside branch in an attempt to set up a support group for carers again. If such a group would be of interest to you please ask for our questionnaire.

Sun and Fun in South Shields

We are having a day out to South Shields for carers and the person they care for on Thursday 7th August. A coach will leave West Lodge at 10.00 am and depart from South Shields at 5.00 pm. The cost is £2.50 per person. Places are limited, must be booked in advance and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a place please call in to Shopmobility reception and purchase your ticket(s).

More Stroke support

Different Strokes is a charity set up by younger stroke survivors for younger stroke survivors. Stroke is the single largest cause of disability in the UK. 10,000 people under the age of 55 suffer a stroke every year - 1,000 of these are under the age of 30. For more information call the Different Strokes Central Services on 0845 130 7172.

Diary Dates

Thursday 7th August: Carers Together. Bus Trip to South Shields. See above article for details.

Monday 11th August: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 28th August: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 8th September: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 25th September: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 13th October: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Carers Darlington:

Tuesdays: Weekly Drop-in at Age Concern, Bradbury House, 10.00am - 12.00 noon.

Fridays: Weekly Drop-in at Age Concern, Bradbury House, 12.00 noon - 2.00pm.