Lone carers are offered a lifeline (From Bury Times)

Lone carers are offered a lifeline

12:10pm Monday 8th February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share

MORE than two-thirds of people in Bury who look after a loved one do not access any help or support from health and care organisations.

Those were the findings of a newly-launched NHS service —Carers Direct.

The service aims to provide a lifeline to islolated carers who are left coping with an elderly or sick relative, often with little or no help.

There are nearly 19,144 people in the borough who take care of someone, such as an elderly parent or disabled family member.But more than 12,884 people do not see themselves as carers, and do not register on the radars of health or care organisations.

This army of hidden carers often persevere alone, spending 20 hours or more a week looking after loved ones.

Most fail to seek any assistance or support from organisations who can help them.

The Carers Direct helpline is aiming to reach these hidden carers and encourage them to call and find out what practical and financial support may be available to them.

Arlene Phillips, who grew up in Prestwich, is one of the celebrities backing the NHS Carers Direct Who Cares campaign.

She said: “I have first hand experience of caring for someone close to me as I helped to look after my father when he was suffering from dementia. Though you want to ensure your loved ones are cared for, it can become a strain.

“So many people around the UK care for family members and friends and they don’t realise that there is a lot of support —both emotional and financial — available to them. I am supporting this to try to help show carers that they are not alone.”

Dame Philippa Russell, chairman of the Standing Commission of Carers said: “So many of us take on the role of carer without even knowing it.

“Often it starts with offering to help an elderly relative with shopping, or checking if they’ve taken their medication.

“But before you know it, you’re with them several hours or more a week.

“As their ability to look after themselves deteriorates they rely on you even more.

“Without help and support, before long you can find yourself struggling with what can be very physical and mental demands, trying to balance work and home life, and potentially risking your own health and wellbeing.”

The Carers Direct free helpline can be called on 0808 8020202 and the website www.nhs.uk/carersdirect

• Print
• Email
• Share