Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 94

February 2010/March 2010

The team here, Emma, Clair, Tricia, Sona, Elaine, Margaret and Pat would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year.

Fact Sheets

We do hold 11 Fact Sheets which you may find useful. They are:-

• Questions you could ask a Domiciliary Care Agency

• Checklist for Choosing a Residential Home

• Services for Carers caring for someone who has mental ill-health

• Welfare Rights

• Carers Allowance

• Checklist for Preparing for an Assessment

• Tips to help you discuss treatments with your Doctor

• Activities for Carers of People with mental ill-health in Darlington

• Activities for Carers in Darlington of any age

• Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Carers' Rights

Carers' Assessment

Do you know that you are legally entitled to an assessment, either jointly with the cared for person or you can ask for one separately. We can support you to prepare for this. Contact us for more information if needed.

How we can support you

As a Carer Support Worker I can support you at any meetings which you may have to attend, preparation for the meeting and for any follow up work. Please get in touch with Clair.

Caring with Confidence sessions

Places still available, choose the sessions you would prefer and book your place.

All sessions are held at the Dolphin Centre on a Tuesday between 11am and 2pm, light lunch provided. The sessions are friendly and informal, all carers welcome.

2nd, 9th & 23rd February

Caring and Coping, Caring and Me and Caring and Communicating

2nd, 9th & 16th March

Caring and Resources, Caring Day-to-Day and Caring and Life

Foot Care

We have arranged for the Podiatry Service to give a talk and answer your questions around foot care. The proposed date is Wednesday 24th February at 2.00pm. Please call us to book a place.

If this date is not convenient, do let us know. All carers and people being cared for are welcome.

Healthy Eating

Having a high intake of salt in your diet increases your chances of developing high blood pressure. This can lead to coronary heart disease. Try not adding salt at the table and add extra flavour during cooking with more pepper, herbs and spices, garlic or lemon juice. Avoid “hidden” salt in processed foods. Look at the labels. Bon Appétit!

Library takes books to readers

A service provided by Darlington libraries and WRVS offers a monthly delivery to people in the Darlington area who find it difficult to get to town. Volunteers will collect and deliver books and audio books. For more information, and to find out if you are eligible, call Darlington Library on 01325 462034.

Information for Carers

For the latest information and services for carers from the government visit this website www.direct.gov.uk/carers. Information includes: Support Services, Carers' rights, Working and caring, Carer's Allowance, Looking after a disabled child.

Diary Dates

Groups meet at Bondgate Methodist Church in the Lounge. Remember your ‘Caring with Confidence’ dates.

Thursday 4th February: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group 1.30 - 3.00 pm. DVD repeat ‘Lady in the red dress’.

Wednesday 10th February: Lunch at China Red restaurant, 12noon

Thursday 11th February: Relaxation 1.30 - 3.00 pm

Wednesday 24th February: Talk on Foot Care from the Podiatry Service.

Thursday 25th February: Mental Health Carers Group, 12.30 - 2.00pm

Thursday 4th March: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group, 1.30 - 3.00pm

Thursday 11th March: Relaxation, 1.30 - 3.00pm

Thursday 25th March: Mental Health Carers Group, 12.30 - 2.00pm. Speaker: Alison Robson, Nutritionist

Thursday 1st April: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group, 1.30 - 3.00pm

Thursday 8th April: Relaxation, 1.30 - 3.00pm

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.

Please note: Our Service will be closed for Easter from Friday 2nd April and re-opens Tuesday 6th April.