While homecare is an incredibly rewarding job, it comes with its challenges and this was never more obvious than during the pandemic. Here at Right at Home North Somerset, the wellbeing of our CareGivers is an absolute priority and we care for them the way they care for our clients. 

We show our appreciation to our amazing CareGivers by rewarding them with flowers and vouchers for going above and beyond the call of duty. During the COVID-19 lockdowns we organised virtual quiz nights, drinks over Zoom and socially distanced picnics to make sure they knew how much we appreciated them, and to make sure they knew they had that vital support structure in place. Getting comments such as ‘they make you feel like you’re part of one big family’, ‘staff always feel appreciated’ and ‘after 17 years in the care industry, this is the first Care company I have worked for where I feel appreciated and valued’ shows that we don’t simply pay lip service to this - we truly show our wonderful staff how brilliant we think they are. 

Sadly, many family carers do not have access to the same support system as paid carers and caring full time for a loved one can come with many demands that can be difficult to manage without this. According to Carers UK, 6,000 people a day take on a caring responsibility and without the right support it can have a huge impact on the carers own mental health and wellbeing. Many of these people are young carers who have had the role thrust upon them, others have gradually taken on more and more aspects of a caring role over a number of years. 

Carers Week

Carers Week, an annual event at the start of June each year, 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 North Somerset?

For many family Carers in North Somerset, 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.

Carer’s Allowance

Carers allowance could be available if you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more. The amount you receive may vary, but you could get £67.60 a week depending on whether the person you care for receives allowances such as (for example) Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. You do not have to be related to the person you care for, or live with them. The Government website has more details on Carers allowance and how to claim. 

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.

If you would like more information on how we can support family Carers in North Somerset with respite care services, please speak to a member of our office team on 01934 235410

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