Care/Respite

[Vix123]

Hello Everyone
I’ve been caring for my husband now for nearly a year. However as I work part time I feel now that we do need help.( I’m becoming very tired and very emotional)
Social services have already been out and spoke to my husband and myself with regards to getting a care package. We are now awaiting an offer of care of which we will have to contribute towards.
I have recently asked about respite care the social worker said that a Carers Assessment would need to be completed in order to evidence why respite would be required. They would need to come and visit again to complete documentation.
Is this normal ? Does a Carer not automatically get respite care ?
Thank you in advance for your replies x

[Lynne K]

Hi Vix. I don't have experience of carers or respite. But I've read that if you and your husband are either referred or self refer to a hospice. They usually have plenty to offer including respite. It'd be worth enquiring. Your husbands OT might be able to refer him and you. Good luck. Lynne

[Kayleigh]

Hi Vix,

Although carers are entiltled to have a carers assessment, there is no automatic entitlement to respite care funded by the local council.

Further information is on the NHS website:-

http://https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-breaks-and-respite-care/

... and also on the Carers Trust website:-
http://https://carers.org/article/how-pay-respite

Best wishes,
Kayleigh

[Kayleigh]

Hi again Vix,

The Mnda offers information and advice about the carers assessment, as detailed in Section 4 of its guide for Carers - link to Section 4 provided below:-

http://https://dbsy278t81889.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/2017/05/19135655/4-carers-assessment.pdf

I hope everything goes well with the assessment and you are able to get some support and respite care soon.

Best wishes,
Kayleigh

[Vix123]

Thanks Lynne
Thank you Kayleigh for pointing me in the right direction for the information. It was really helpful.
I will have to wait and see what happens at the assessment. Xx

[Sueb]

I have had a carers assessment through our local council. I was referred through the social OT at first and when Steve was in hospital with pneumonia the social worker referred again. The assessment should be done every year. I get £150 grant to spend as I wish and we get some money to put towards respite care, think it is about £650. Not used this yet so would have to look up how to do it. There are other things too like signing up to a system where if I go out and there is a problem they will make sure Steve is ok. This might all be different with different Council’s. I have also had a carers grant through MNDA which was done by our MND nurse. If you are in touch with an hospice ask there too.

Sue

[Kayleigh]

For information about grants that are available from the MNDA (including the Carer's Grant mentioned in Sue's post), click on the link below and it will take you to the MNDAs webpage 'Financial Support Grants':-

http://https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/our-services/financial-support-information-for-people-with-mnd/

Furher advice and information for carers can be found on the MNDA's webpage 'Support for Carers':-

https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/for-carers/support-for-carers/

Best wishes
Kayleigh x

[Vix123]

Such useful information that I didn’t know about.
Hopefully get a meeting next week.
Thanks Kayleigh and Sue

[Kayleigh]

Hi Vix,

I hope everything goes well at the meeting and hopefully you can get some funding for some respite care and some time off to relax.

Lynne and Sue both mentioned the support that hospices can offer. As far as I am aware they don't charge for their services and can sometimes offer respite care. Many hospices have their own website and there is also some general information on the Hospice UK website (which includes a search facility to 'Find a Hospice near you').

You might already be in touch with your local hospice - but I've provided a link to the Hospice UK website below, just in case it is of interest:-

http://https://www.hospiceuk.org/

Best wishes to you and your husband,
Kayleigh x