New package of support for unpaid carers
Pecyn cymorth newydd ar gyfer gofalwyr di-dâl
On Carers’ Rights Day Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan has outlined how £7m Welsh Government funding will support unpaid carers in recognition of the vital support they provide to the people they care for.
The support package will allocate £5.5 million to local authorities to provide targeted support to unpaid carers; £1.25m for the Carers Support Fund - last year, this fund successfully helped almost 6500 unpaid carers to cope with the financial impact of Covid 19; £20,000 to fund online mental wellbeing support sessions; and £230,000 for the Family Fund to support over 600 further low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children.
Welsh Government previously committed £3 million in 2021-22 to allow more carers to take a break from their caring role, bringing the total additional funding support for unpaid carers this year to £10 million.
Examples of how this money has been spent to date include;
- £5,000 to fund the creation of a Respitality scheme in Gwynedd to work with the holiday sector to offer cheaper holidays to unpaid carers;
- £10,000 to fund the remodelling of day care for older people in Gwynedd which includes paying for flexible short care packages for carers and the individuals they support;
- £20,000 to fund a 6 week programme of wellbeing counselling to help support carers with personal stresses and anxieties in Conwy;
- £40,000 to fund Carers’ Outreach in Conwy to provide breaks, days out, weekends away in Conwy for carers over 18 and;
- £32,000 to run a pilot scheme for parent carers to choose practical support which meets their needs in Swansea.
The Deputy Minister for Social Services said:
“The physical and emotional impact of caring can be overwhelming. We share concerns that many are at breaking point due to the additional pressures put upon them from the pandemic. Thousands of unpaid carers have been supported since the start of the pandemic but it its vital we continue to help unpaid carers cope with the emotional and financial impact of COVID-19.”
“The funding announced today shows how much we appreciate the army of unpaid carers in Wales who have gone above and beyond to care for family or friends and our commitment to support carers to have a life beyond their caring role.”
“Unpaid carers play a vital role in our society, helping reduce pressures on the health service by ensuring people can return from and stay out of hospital. Their extraordinary work and contribution to social care is part of a £42m package to support the NHS winter plan.”
An unpaid carer attending a dementia support group in Gwynedd commented:
“The Dementia Carers Group has provided me with companionship, moral support when feeling a bit lost whilst looking after my husband who has mixed dementia. I have made friends through the meetings, have improved my qualities as a carer, with practical advice received, not only from other carers, but the amazing guest speakers who have guided us all with their knowledgeable advice on all practical matters relevant to being a carer. Tuesday mornings are a lot less lonely since I joined the group.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Case Study
|
Dementia Actif Gwynedd |
Physical and social activities to support people affected by dementia |
|
Project’s Aims: |
To deliver Dementia inclusive physical & social activity opportunities in the community & virtually. Connecting people and reducing loneliness & isolation through participation in physical activity, events & virtually. Cultivating awareness and breaking down barriers around dementia. Sign posting to appropriate support services. |
|
Project Outcomes: |
Supporting people affected by dementia by improving:- physical function health and wellbeing support network social connections dementia friendly awareness digital inclusion For a better quality of life. |
|
About the person: |
PT is the wife and main carer of JT who is living with dementia and other chronic conditions including COPD. They live in the South Meirionnydd area of Gwynedd, they have no family nearby but have a fairly good network of friends. PT has found caring for her husband and dealing with the dementia very challenging and in particular during the COVID lockdown. However, she is proactive and has developed some coping strategies and sought support from various organisations (Gwynedd Council, Alzheimer’s Society- Dementia Connect & Carers Outreach) and is a valued member of the Dementia Actif Carers Support group. |
|
What was the situation: |
PT had been experiencing extreme knee pain which used to keep her awake at night. Her sleep patterns would also be disturbed by dealing with her husband’s needs as he often woke up with nightmares or got up out of bed. She was feeling extremely fatigued with lack of sleep and caring for her husband. Following a hospital appointment, she was told that she needed surgery on the knee but that there was a long waiting list. PT felt that she needed to do something to improve the situation to reduce the pain whilst she waited for surgery and so approached a private physiotherapist for treatment. She also wanted to strengthen her legs so that she could ensure a good recovery time following surgery to get back to caring for her husband as soon as possible. PT attended 4 private physiotherapy sessions and the physiotherapist gave her exercises to continue to do on her own at home, which she is motivated to do. The cost of each session was £40 and following receiving information during the Dementia Actif Support group meeting, PT contacted Carers Outreach and was able to claim the full cost for the sessions through the Unpaid Carers Wellbeing Fund. |
|
Impact |
PT reported that she felt that the physiotherapist sessions and the specific exercises she now does on a regular basis have enables her to move with more ease and has reduced the pain. She was able to have a better night’s sleep and was better able to cope with caring for her husband. PT has shared her experience of receiving the physiotherapy sessions and accessing funds with the other carers attending the Dementia Actif Support Group. Since getting to know PT in the support group she now brings JT to the Dementia Actif classes, he looks forwards to going and has settled down well as a valued member of the group. PT uses the opportunity for a break whilst JT is exercising, she goes to a local café with the other carers she has met through the group. |
|
Outcomes achieved
|
Sense of support Increased resilience Improved sleep Decreased pain |