Support available for dementia sufferers
People who suffer from dementia don’t have to be alone. Whether you have a dementia diagnosis or care for someone who has, there are plenty of local services that can offer help and support. Your first point of call should be your GP who can organise an assessment of the person in question.
This will result in a care assessment which will register you with your local council and health authority. They will then let you know the service options available to you. This could involve specialist nursing, help with care management and budgets. There are also specialist charities that can help.
The important thing is to remember that you are never alone.
Carers voices heard in bedroom tax appeal
Recently, two Carers UK members took the government to the court of appeal over their bedroom tax and won. Paul and Susan Rutherford care for their profoundly disabled 14-year-old grandson and live in a specially adapted home where they require overnight care. As they had a spare room (used by the carer) they were hit by the bedroom tax and their benefits reduced.
However, the courts ruled in their favour and the judgement has called into question the entire policy, which is now subject to intense scrutiny. We’ll keep you informed how this plays out in the next few months.
Do you know a carer that deserves an award?
If you know someone special that deserves recognition for their efforts, then now you have a chance to nominate them. The Lloyds National Pharmacy is hosting the National Carers Awards to recognise the role that carers play in society. And several categories are open to public nominations.
Nominations are open until the 31 March. Prizes include a night’s stay in a luxury hotel, all expenses paid breaks to London and £1,000 high street vouchers.
That’s it for this month. We’ll be bringing you more news from the caring world next month. We cover everything from health and safety, the latest safety equipment, training and legislation that affects carers across the UK.