Caring for our CareGivers in Mid Cheshire
Published: 06/06/2021
Valuing the role of Carers
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the value on the care sector like never before. The amazing team of CareGivers at Right at Home Mid Cheshire have been a pillar of strength for the Northwich community over the past 15 months, keeping Clients safe and well-cared for at home. It has been very encouraging to see the nation’s response and support to our sector, as seen by the weekly Clap for Carers last summer and there has never been a greater appreciation for the outstanding work our Carers do.
Delivering homecare is an incredibly rewarding job but it also comes with its challenges and this has never been more prevalent as during the pandemic. Here at Right at Home Mid Cheshire, the wellbeing of our CareGivers is an absolute priority. We care for our CareGivers in the same way they care for our Clients, we hold regular wellbeing calls and have an open door policy meaning CareGivers call visit the office at anytime for a chat over a good cup of tea and a cake or biscuit. Unfortunately, many family Carers do not have the same support system as paid Carers and the demands of caring for a loved one full time can be difficult to manage.
You may have become a full time family Carer gradually over a number years or you may be a young Carer who has taken on this role suddenly, looking after a loved one who has become ill. According to national charity Carers UK, every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility. This equals over 2 million people each year. Without the right support in place, this role can have a big impact on a Carer’s own mental health and wellbeing.
Carers Week 2021
Carers Week, an annual event which runs this year from Monday 7 June – Sunday 13 June 2021, aims to put unpaid Carers in touch with the right services to provide them with the advice and support they need to support a loved one. A great starting point is the Carers Week website. This is filled with useful resources, tips and guidance for family Carers.
What is Right at Home doing to support family Carers in Mid Cheshire?
When restrictions allow, Right at Home Mid Cheshire will once again be offering free Dementia friends information sessions and free basic life support training to people living in all areas of the Mid Cheshire community.
For many family Carers in Mid Cheshire, our respite homecare services provide them with peace of mind that their loved one is in safe hands whilst they take a well-deserved break. For some Clients, we provide one hour of home respite care per day whilst their full-time Carer walks the family dog or pops to the shops. For other Clients, we provide a full day of care once a week, so family Carers can have a full day to rest and recharge their batteries, away from their caring duties. In-Home Respite Care Services in Mid Cheshire | Right at Home (rightathomeuk.co.uk)
Carer’s Allowance
It is important to look after yourself, if you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. You could get up to £67.60 per week, although this depends on whether the person you care for receives a benefit such as Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, for example. Importantly, you do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for. Read more about Carer’s Allowance and how to claim this on the Government website.
How is Carer’s Allowance paid?
If you are eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you can choose to be paid every four weeks, or weekly in advance. It will be paid into an account, for example your bank account.
What other Carer discounts or benefits am I entitled to?
For every week that you receive Carer’s Allowance, you will automatically get National Insurance credits. You may also be able to apply for other things like a Council Tax Reduction. Take a look at the Government’s website for full details on what discounts or benefits are available for Carers.
We are extremely fortunate to have the Cheshire and Warrington Carers Centre based in the town, they deliver a wide range of local support services to meet the needs of Carers in our community. These range from support services catered to the Carer, the needs of the person you care for and the services provided by other organisations Home – Cheshire & Warrington Carers Trust (cheshireandwarringtoncarers.org)
If you would like more information on how we can support family Carers in Mid Cheshire with respite care services, please speak to a member of our office team on 01606 537400.
Useful resources:
Carers Trust – a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland providing advice and guidance for Carers
Carers UK’s online forum for Carers
