Carers Support - Steps to stay well this winter

WINTER 2020 carerssupport.org.uk

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THIS WINTER

PREPARE...

STAY CONNECTED...

SELF CARE SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dear Carer First and foremost, thank you for everything you have done, you are doing and will do in caring for someone else.

We are all fortunate to live in such a beautiful county with such immense community spirit, yet many carers we have contact with rarely see or feel that in their lives.

In our recent survey, responded to by 1,000 carers living in West Sussex, respondents identified the following as the top four issues they are facing now: – Feelings of stress – Managing their own physical and mental health – Missing out on socialisation because of caring – Bureaucracy of services Based on carer feedback we are working with our colleagues at West Sussex County Council, across all aspects of health and with other local charities and community organisations to work out how best we can support you.

We know that the next few months are going to be difficult in the carer community and we continue to encourage carers to contact us.

Seven out of ten of our staff and volunteer team are themselves carers, so, we really understand that caring can be both wonderful and tough.

No matter what your caring circumstance, the Carers Support West Sussex team are here for you, offering information, guidance, practical and emotional support.

Please take a moment for yourself and find out about what we could do to help you take steps to stay well this winter.

Look after one another and thank you again for all you do.

Sonia Mangan CEO

carerssupport.org.uk

info@carerssupport.org.uk

0300 028 8888

USEFUL CONTACTS GENERAL

DRUG & ALCOHOL SUPPORT

Citizens Advice West Sussex Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice.

Change, Grow, Live Drug and alcohol service for adults, families and affected others.

www.advicewestsussex.org.uk 0344 477 1171

www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol wellbeing-network-west-sussex 0330 128 1113 westsussex.contact@cgl.org.uk

West Sussex Connect to Support Supporting you to live well in West Sussex www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org

AUTISM SUPPORT The National Autistic Society Charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. www.autism.org.uk 0808 800 4104 Online contact form

CANCER SUPPORT The Olive Tree Local support for those living with cancer. www.olivetreecancersupport.org.uk 01293 534465 office@olivetreecancersupport.org.uk

DEMENTIA SUPPORT Age UK West Sussex Local charity supporting older people. www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussex 01903 731800 information@ageukwsbh.org.uk Alzheimer’s Society Dementia support and advice www.alzheimers.org.uk 0333 150 3456 Sage House For local people living with dementia, their family and carers. www.dementia-support.org.uk/sagehouse 01243 888 691 info@dementia-support.org.uk

LEARNING DISABILITY Mencap Working to improve the lives of people with a learning disability www.mencap.org.uk 0808 808 1111 helpline@mencap.org.uk

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT West Sussex Mind Local mental health support. www.westsussexmind.org 01903 277000 info@westsussexmind.org

PARENT CARERS Local offer Information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0–25 years who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). www.westsussex.local-offer.org 0330 222 8555 localoffer@westsussex.gov.uk

YOUNG CARERS West Sussex Young Carers (up to 18 years) www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children and-families/young-carers/ youngcarers@westsussex.gov.uk SHINE Young Adult Carers (18 – 25 years) www.carerssupport.org.uk/young-adult-carers 0300 028 8888 shine@carerssupport.org.uk

STEPS TO STAY WELL THIS WINTER There are so many considerations to think about over the winter months, while fighting the urge to go into hibernation mode.

If you are in a family or friend caring role, the list increases further! With 4 in 5 unpaid carers currently providing more care than before lockdown*. Which is why we are running our Winter campaign: Steps to stay well this winter.

78%*

of carers reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased recently.

We want to help you simplify winter care into three easy steps: Prepare, stay connected and self-care. We believe that if you follow these three pillars, you will emerge on the other side with a ‘spring in your step’.

Do you have the right equipment?

step one

PREPARE

Have you heard the saying ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’?

Of course, no one wants to fail, so to help you triumph during the winter months, we have formulated a ‘prepare’ checklist:

Carer Assessment If you are providing care to an adult over the age of 18, you may be entitled to a Carer Assessment regardless of the number of hours or type of care you provide. This includes if you do not live with the person you care for.

There are two types of assessment available both with so many positive outcomes, such as creating manageable steps to help in your caring role. Call us to find out more.

Contingency planning Have you thought about what would happen to your cared for if you had an unplanned admission into hospital following an accident or sudden illness? To put your mind at rest, should an emergency occur, a contingency plan will provide information so that you and the person you are caring for are supported at the earliest opportunity.

carerssupport.org.uk

Are you are caring for someone with mobility issues?

Do you have worries that medication is being taken correctly? We have a team of experts who will assess the type of equipment to help improve independence, safety and wellbeing. The use of equipment and technology can really help you in your caring role. One carer receiving this service told us: “The monitor you have provided has helped me to go about my everyday chores and keep a good eye on my husband at the same time.”

Identifying yourself as a carer Does your GP know you are a carer? If you inform your GP you are a carer, this information will be added to your notes and will enable you to ask for flexible appointments and other help to support you in your caring role.

Help protect yourself and others with the flu vaccine The flu virus kills 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. But this is anything but an average year. As a carer, if you catch the flu and become too ill to leave home, it may be more difficult or impossible for you to continue looking after the person you care for. Contact your GP to book yours now. To keep up date with the COVID-19 vaccine news, please refer to the www.gov.uk/coronavirus website.

Are you aware of the support available to you?

We understand research can be time consuming, so give us a call so we can help you to find the support you need. We will provide guidance based on your personal situation, such as help with hospital admission and discharge, how to access food bank services or what community services are available to you.

info@carerssupport.org.uk

0300 028 8888

At Carers Support West Sussex we truly understand the importance of staying connected. There is real benefit in connecting with others who understand what you are going through. Social connection has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Carers Support West Sussex forms part of your social support network. We have a friendly team who you can turn to in both good times and perhaps not so good times. As one carer put it:

O W T p e t s

STAY CONNECTED

“From my experience with Carers Support I feel I can get support when needed. It makes me feel I have an extended family”.

Carers Support West Sussex offer you different forms of support depending on what you feel you need most at that point in time.

Emotional support

Practical support

Our teams offer a listening ear and open the lines of communication. By talking through your situation, we can establish your needs and suggest solutions to help you move forward.

Did you know that as a registered carer, you may be eligible for a grant? This can be used to enhance your health and/or wellbeing. For example, for gym membership, yoga classes or even a weekend away with friends or family.

New ways to stay connected To help our carers stay connected, our teams run virtual carer groups, we have volunteers trained as Digital Champions to support you to get online and telephone befrienders to support carers that are isolated. These initiatives can help you access online services, virtually meet with other carers, have regular social catch- ups and connect you to other services in the community.

Information and guidance Perhaps you are new to caring and don’t know which way to turn? Or, perhaps there is a hospital admission on the horizon and you just need some information about what to do and the steps you need to take. Whatever the situation, our friendly wellbeing support workers have an abundance of information on hand to help you navigate what can sometimes be a complex situation.

Carer Discount Card Have you applied for your Carer Discount Card? We have formed an exciting partnership with local businesses in West Sussex to offer family and friend carers in the county a range of exclusive offers and discounts. To apply, contact our friendly team today.

Social support By attending our online carer group sessions, you will be in contact with others in similar situations with whom you can share your experiences and learn how they have managed their caring role. The groups allow you to connect with peers who understand the joys and challenges of caring.

*Source: Carers UK Caring behind closed doors: six months on report

E E R H T p e st

SELF CARE

Research has shown that caring can have a significant impact on health, with carers often finding that both their mental and physical health are affected. So, it is vital you take steps to look after yourself and remember, self-care is not being selfish. Self-care is about deliberately doing activities to foster good mental, emotional and physical health.

Let’s take a look at some of the small actions, with big effects, you can add into your daily routine to help keep up your winter spirit.

Building resilience Building one’s own resilience can help in coping with external events, such as illness of a loved one or a caring crisis. Whilst we understand that as a carer finding time is a luxury, we believe that allowing yourself to follow some simple steps will help you feel better able to manage your caring role and will build your resilience.

Sleep – try to establish a sleep routine or rest when you can.

Exercise – consider taking a morning walk before you start the day.

Meditation – spending 10 minutes a day doing guided mediation Gratitude – keep a gratitude journal making a note of all those good little things which are all too easily forgotten.

carerssupport.org.uk

info@carerssupport.org.uk

More than half of carers have seen their physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic,while

64%*

said their mental health has worsened.

Self-compassion – be kind to yourself, for example, try not to be hard on yourself if you don’t do everything on this list. Building time for yourself into your day will take time.

Connection – stay connected with friends and family. Consider making that phone call to a friend you have not spoken to in a while.

Keep physically active We are not suggesting you run the next London Marathon (unless you fancy taking on a monumental challenge!). How about trying some more gentle activities such as going for a short walk in your local area, maybe in a nearby park as green spaces are proven to be good for our mental wellbeing. Doing some Yoga or Pilates using a book or YouTube tutorials is a good way to keep fit and active.

0300 028 8888

Managing your mental health Have you tried keeping a mood diary? This mindful activity will help track what makes you feel better or worse. As you see a pattern emerge, you can take steps to avoid or prepare for situations which cause feelings of anxiety. Or, on the plus side, you can do more of what makes you happy.

Eating a healthy diet The winter months are an important time of year to keep yourself, and those around you, topped up with nourishment. A balanced diet will help build the immune system which will keep you in tip top condition. There are so many different dietary options, we could not cover them all, but the principals are to remain well hydrated through water intake, consume essential fatty acids, protein, fat- and water-soluble vitamins and essential minerals. Researching recipes to suit your dietary preferences is a great way to find inspiration to try different foods.

Staying connected

Respite – taking time away from your caring role Everyone in a caring role needs to take time for themselves and yet many carers feel guilty about it. Whether you spend your time joining one of our online carer groups or make use of the respite break services, we strongly encourage you to make some time for yourself.

The importance of play What with all that is going on in the world right now, it is all too easy to forget about including ‘fun’ into our daily lives. So why not suggest getting out a board game, starting an impromptu game of charades or, if you live alone, join an online quiz with friends.

Laughter is a great medicine so finding something that makes us smile can make such a difference to feelings of wellbeing.

Whether it is with friends or family or by joining a local online book club, feeling connected with others helps to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Talking to others may reduce feelings of anxiety. So, go on, send that text or make that call.

64%*

of carers have not been able to take any breaks at all in the last six months.

How do I find out more or get in contact?

For any questions you may have, to find out more or to access these services, all you need to do is contact one central point. Either by phone: 0300 028 8888, email: info@carerssupport.org.uk or visit our website: www.carerssupport.org.uk where you can also find our online support chat service.

Can you lend a helping hand?

Have you thought about joining our friendly volunteer team to support others in getting online or making calls to other carers who may be feeling isolated and lonely this winter? The small gift of time can make such a big difference to someone’s life. One of our carers who joined the befriending service said: “I am finding life easier where I felt alone before, now I have something to look forward to each week.” It is also a great way to connect you to your community too.

If you would like to volunteer with us contact on: 0300 028 8888 volunteering@carerssupport.org.uk

*Source: Carers UK Caring behind closed doors: six months on report

Carers Support West Sussex December and New Year opening times

Weds 23rd Dec – 9am-7pm

Monday 28th – Closed

Saturday 2nd – Closed

Thurs 24th – 10-2

Tuesday 29th – 10-2

Sunday 3rd – Closed

Friday 25th – Closed

Weds 30th – 10-2

Monday 5th – 9-5

Saturday 26th – Closed

Thurs 31st – 10-2

Sunday 27th – Closed

Fri 1st – Closed

Then resume normal hours.

Registered Charity No. 1123359 Company No. 6418743

carerssupport.org.uk

info@carerssupport.org.uk

0300 028 8888