Carers Week
This week is national Carers Week. This focuses on the theme, “Carers can’t afford to be ill”. Carers in Bradford have shared the rewards and frustrations of caring with professionals over many years, they have told of their own health problems and this Service receives referrals from professionals where caring is having an effect on the person’s health.
Carers are in all age groups and come from all backgrounds. A larger number of carers do fall into the 50+ bracket – an age perhaps when we expect to have a bit of me-time. They worry about the future for the person they support, what will happen if the carer becomes ill or dies. Carer’s workers have experience of carers who have refused to take the advice of health professionals when they have needed treatments because the person they support won’t or can’t access services.
The solution to many problems for carers need not cost a huge amount. Recognising they exist is a start, being approachable, offering appointments at suitable times, providing carers’ assessments of need, information and skill sharing, are some of the ways service providers can improve the lot of the Carer.
Bradford District Care Trust recognises the enormous contribution that carers make to the well being of service users. As a Foundation Trust, we want to ensure that carers have a strong voice to influence the future of the organisation. As part of developing this and encouraging carers to sign up as members, the Trust is visiting both NHS led and voluntary sector carer groups. The first of these was held last week, at the OASIS group in Shipley.
If you are involved with a thrid sector organisation, and would like to discuss Foundation Trust issues, please ring the FT office on (01274) 363552 to arrange a meeting.
Tags: carers, OASIS, stakeholder