Support Services Spotlight

Action for Carers Surrey (ACS) is a registered charity, there to help unpaid carers of all ages, right across Surrey, with information, support and advice both one on one over the phone or face-to-face, and in support groups and workshops. They can help with benefits advice, advocacy, give practical guidance on moving and handling, and provide a wealth of information and free resources. They can also signpost you, and the person you care for, on to relevant specialised sources of support

Carer and ACS service user Al’s wife was given a brain scan 12 years ago that indicated the likelihood she would develop Alzheimer's. Here Al reflects on his experience caring for his wife, sharing his thoughts, insights and some of the lessons he has learnt along the journey

• Early indications give valuable planning time and opportunities for discussion, so don’t bury your head in the sand. At the same time don’t let the thought of Alzheimer’s drive or limit everything you do, or you will miss out on some important life events.

• Many older people downsize, as we did If you are thinking of moving though, do bear in mind that an extra room for a live-in carer, a professional or a relative, may be a sensible investment.

• Wherever you live get to know your neighbours, be pleasant and helpful to them and you will be repaid by people offering to look after your loved one when you need to leave home for an hour or two They will also bring back the person with Alzheimer’s home, if they develop a ‘wanderlust’ and many do.

• There comes a point where you begin to realise that you cannot continue as a sole carer and that support from a care professional will eventually be necessary as the illness worsens the demands put on you will become ever greater. You must analyse what you want from professional support. In our case I settled on safety, security and compassion as the primary needs. I took on a daily carer for that important first hour of the day when bed clothes need changing and your loved one needs help to shower and dress This still leaves you with the other 23 hours of the day to demonstrate your love and affection.

• Do reach out to ACS and Social Services for help through the legal maze of Attendance Allowance, Capacity Assessments, Best Interest Decisions and very importantly use of the Lasting Powers of Attorney They can also help in explaining some of the financial implications.

• I also attended some ACS events, mainly online, things like Mindfulness, and carers groups and have, with another friend’s help, set up a group on WhatsApp There’s now seven of us and growing who meet fortnightly, It’s so important to keep-in-touch with other people who are going through the same thing.

• It’s also important to look after yourself, and take opportunities for relaxation, new friendships etc. when you can

• Finally, you should start these steps early and develop your views as time goes on, often changing your priorities in the light of changing needs. You should also realise that your own ability to make decisions on care can be affected by the stress you will find yourself under and you must look after your own health

ScamsWatch with Bill from Trading Standards HOLIDAY BOOKING AND THE LAW

Still in late holiday booking mode? Then let’s know our legal position.

By law we have the right to expect that the holiday we booked and paid for matches the description given when we bought it. Pay careful attention to how the package holiday is described by the travel agent, in the brochure or website. If it doesn’t match the description, The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations 2018 gives us the right to ask our tour operator to put it right and - if it’s unable to - claim compensation.

If we book each part of the holiday separately, we’ll not have the same protection as it won’t be covered by the law. So ensure that flights are ATOL registered and check review sites for accommodation & other transport needs to make sure they have good ratings and are described accurately. If you find all is not as it should be then take lots of photos for evidence and if using a tour operator report the problems ASAP.