Carer and their support

When someone is diagnosed with Dementia, the effect can be devastating, not just for the patient, but for their carer also, especially as is often the case, the patient is a loved one. 

It is the responsibility of the doctor to give the formal diagnosis and this should be done at a pre arranged, planned appointment. If you are the carer, then you will need to be there. 

The patient will be allowed to ask a lot of questions, but you, the carer, will need to ask questions as well, especially if the patient is struggling to contend with the new reality. It will be difficult, you will likely be upset, yet feel an urge to care and help. You may also need to contend with a doctor speaking in medical terms, so you will need to ask for everything to be explained slowly and in layman’s terms. As much as you may not want to, you need to start constructing a plan of the future right there. 

What might a carer do?

It may help at this point to confirm what is classed as a Carer, when it comes to dealing with professional bodies, such as the NHS or assorted charitable organisations. 

Carers will help with:

• Washing, dressing, taking medicines

• Getting the patient out and about, shopping, going to appointments such as the doctor, dentist, with the patient.

•  Cleaning & laundry

• Paying bills, organising finances

Care can be emotional support, as well as above listed practical support. Emotional support can be:

• Sitting with someone, keeping them company.

• Watching over someone if they can’t be left alone

Carer’s Assessment

If you are a Carer, you can have a ‘Carers Assessment’ through the NHS/local health authority. 

It will cover the following areas and make arrangements for the Carer as per the assessment;

• Someone to help, so you the Carer can take a break.

• Gym membership and exercise classes to help relieve the stress.

• Assistance with taxi fares if the carer doesn’t drive.

• Help with gardening and housework.

• Training to lift properly and safely.

• Putting the carer in contact with support groups so you can have people to talk to.

• Advice about benefits.

The assessment is free and is available for anyone over 18 years of age. 

The dementia patient themselves will have what’s called a “Needs Assessment’, don’t confuse the two when arranging. The Carer’s Assessment is solely for the Carer and focuses on their needs and support. 

To arrange one, call the Adult Social Services department at your local Council. During the assessment, someone from the council or an organisation who work closely with the council will speak to you face to face generally, if not, it will be done over the phone. It usually last one hour. 

In preparation for the assessment, you’ll need;

• Your NHS number, if you have one.

• Your GP’s name, Practice address and telephone number. 

• Contact details for anyone who will be attending the assessment with you.

• Your email address or telephone number. 

Give as much detail as you can about how your life is being impacted by caring for someone. This will help get the care and support you need. 

You will usually get the results of the assessment within a week.

Care and Support Plan

If you qualify, they will write a ‘Care & Support Plan’ with you that will detail the care and support you will be given and when. Your council may be able to help with costs. You might need to undergo a ‘Financial Assessment’ (means test). This will be arranged for you after the Carer’s Assessment. If not, ask. 

You might also be eligible for ‘Benefits for Carers’ that can help with costs. Again, the council should discuss this with you. 

If you don’t qualify for any help and support following on from the Carers Assessment, then the council should give you free advice about where to obtain help in the local community. Even if you do get help from the council in the form of care and support, you should still seek out what is going on in your local community in the way of self help groups, dementia meetings, social get togethers, etc etc.

If you don’t qualify, you can also make a formal complaint to the Council, the council should have a complaints procedure process visible on their website. And if that is not successful, then you can write to the Social Care Ombudsman.