Understanding Your Role as a Family Carer
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Being a carer involves providing support to the person you care for who may be facing difficulties due to illness, disability, mental health issues, or age-related concerns. Your role can vary widely but often includes helping with daily tasks, managing medications, attending medical appointments, and offering emotional support.
Types of Unpaid Family Carers
π§πΆ Family carers come in all forms and may include caring for children, adults, or elderly family members. Some carers look after those with specific conditions such as dementia, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses. Understanding the specific needs of the person you are caring for can help you in your role.
The Typical Caring Role
π Daily tasks can range widely but typically include:
Support Available to Carers
π€² Itβs important to know that as a carer, you're not alone. Support is available to help you manage both the emotional and practical aspects of caring:
Local Services in Peterborough
π In Peterborough, several services are specifically tailored to support carers like you:
To find out more about support for carers they can visit the Peterborough Council website at: Peterborough Council Carer Support
Financial and Legal Advice
π· You may also need guidance on managing financial aspects or legal matters:
Support Groups and Communities
π€ Participating in support groups can provide emotional relief and practical tips from others who are in similar situations. These groups offer a platform to share experiences and advice, reducing feelings of isolation.
Health and Wellbeing
π§ββοΈ Remember, your wellbeing is as important as the care you provide. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and taking time out for yourself are crucial to sustain your health and energy levels.
Conclusion
π Being a carer is a significant role filled with challenges and rewards. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Utilise the local resources available in Peterborough to support you and ensure you also take care of your wellbeing. For more information and tailored support, make sure to explore the resources provided by Peterborough City Council and Making Space.
This guide aims to help you navigate your caring responsibilities with confidence, knowing where and how you can access the support you need.
Email: contact@bridgit.care
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Understanding Carer's Allowance in Peterborough
π What is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is a financial support designed for individuals who dedicate a significant amount of time to caring for someone with a disability or illness. In Peterborough, as across the UK, this payment is aimed at helping carers manage their duties more effectively by providing them with a weekly payment.
For the year 2024/25, the payment rate is set at Β£81.90 per week. This can provide essential support in covering daily expenses or in maintaining a balance between caring responsibilities and personal needs.
π Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Carer's Allowance, you need to meet the following conditions:
π₯οΈ How to Apply
You can apply for Carer's Allowance online through the GOV.UK website, which provides a straightforward application process. Alternatively, you can apply by post using form DS700, or DS700(SP) if you are receiving the State Pension.
π Local Support in Peterborough
If you need assistance with your application or have any queries regarding Carer's Allowance, Peterborough City Council and local organisations like Making Space can provide guidance. You can reach Making Space via phone at 01480 211006 or by email at PeterboroughCWS@makingspace.co.uk for personalised support.
π Additional Information and Resources
It's crucial to note that receiving Carer's Allowance might affect other benefits you or the person you care for are receiving. It's advisable to seek guidance on how your overall benefits might be impacted. For more detailed advice on Carer's Allowance and other benefits, visit the Caring Together website, which offers extensive resources tailored to carers.
Carer's Allowance is more than just a payment; it's a recognition of the invaluable work that carers like you do every day in Peterborough. Whether you're just starting on your caring journey or looking to understand the benefits you're entitled to, remember that help and support are always available.
For any further assistance or to start your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to local services or explore the links provided. Your role as a carer is essential, and accessing the right support can make all the difference.
Exploring Financial Support for Carers in Peterborough
πΌ Understanding Carer's Allowance Eligibility
Carer's Allowance is a payment for those who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with significant care needs. If you believe you might not meet the criteria for this allowance due to your earnings or other factors, there are certainly other avenues of support you can explore in Peterborough.
πΌ Local Support Services
Firstly, Peterborough City Council offers a range of support for carers. This includes assessments to determine your needs as a carer and advice on accessing other forms of support. You can contact the council directly to inquire about these services, which are tailored to help you manage both your caring responsibilities and your own wellbeing.
πΌ Alternative Financial Support
If Carer's Allowance isn't suitable for you, consider other financial support options such as:
πΌ Making Space
For tailored support and advice, Making Space in Peterborough offers specific services for carers, including financial advice and how to manage your caring responsibilities effectively. You can reach them via phone at 01480 211006 or email at PeterboroughCWS@makingspace.co.uk. They can offer personalised advice and guide you through applications for benefits and additional support.
πΌ Additional Resources
For more detailed information on other kinds of support and benefits, visit Caring Together which provides comprehensive guidance tailored for carers.
πΌ Applying for Carer's Allowance
Even if you think you might not be eligible, it can sometimes be worth applying for Carer's Allowance as your circumstances might allow for it. You can get step-by-step guidance and apply online here.
πΌ Income Threshold and More Information
Remember, to be eligible for Carer's Allowance, your weekly earnings must be Β£151 or less after deductions. For more in-depth information about Carer's Allowance and other benefits, you can visit the Caring Together Money and Benefits page.
By exploring these options and reaching out to local services, you can find the support you need to manage your finances while fulfilling your caring responsibilities in Peterborough.
Understanding Eligibility for Carer's Allowance Based on Care Hours π
If you're caring for someone in Peterborough and wondering if you meet the necessary care hours to claim Carer's Allowance, here's a straightforward guide to help you determine your eligibility.
Minimum Hours of Care Required π
To qualify for Carer's Allowance, you must be providing care for at least 35 hours a week. This care can include a wide range of tasks such as:
It's important to note that these 35 hours can include time spent physically caring, as well as other tasks related to caring, such as time spent shopping for their essentials or cleaning for them.
Tracking Your Care Hours β±οΈ
To ensure you meet the required hours, it might be helpful to keep a log of your caring activities throughout the week. This can be as simple as noting down the times you start and finish caring tasks each day. Not only does this help in confirming you meet the threshold, but it can also be useful documentation when applying for Carer's Allowance.
Applying for Carer's Allowance π
Once you're confident you meet the 35-hour requirement, the next step is to apply for Carer's Allowance. You can do this easily online or by post. For detailed instructions and to start your application, visit the GOV.UK Carer's Allowance page.
Local Support in Peterborough π
In Peterborough, you can also seek guidance and support from local organisations dedicated to assisting carers. Making Space is a great resource that offers advice and support tailored to carers' needs in your area. You can reach them at 01480 211006 or by emailing PeterboroughCWS@makingspace.co.uk.
For more detailed information on Carer's Allowance and other benefits you might be eligible for, check out Caring Together's advice on money and benefits.
Remember, caring for someone can be challenging, but you're not alone. There are many resources and support systems in place in Peterborough to help you navigate these responsibilities, ensuring both you and the person you care for receive the support you need.
Exploring Financial Support for Carers in Peterborough
πΌ Understanding Carer's Allowance Eligibility
Carer's Allowance is a payment for those who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with significant care needs. If you believe you might not meet the criteria for this allowance due to your earnings or other factors, there are certainly other avenues of support you can explore in Peterborough.
πΌ Local Support Services
Firstly, Peterborough City Council offers a range of support for carers. This includes assessments to determine your needs as a carer and advice on accessing other forms of support. You can contact the council directly to inquire about these services, which are tailored to help you manage both your caring responsibilities and your own wellbeing.
πΌ Alternative Financial Support
If Carer's Allowance isn't suitable for you, consider other financial support options such as:
πΌ Making Space
For tailored support and advice, Making Space in Peterborough offers specific services for carers, including financial advice and how to manage your caring responsibilities effectively. You can reach them via phone at 01480 211006 or email at PeterboroughCWS@makingspace.co.uk. They can offer personalised advice and guide you through applications for benefits and additional support.
πΌ Additional Resources
For more detailed information on other kinds of support and benefits, visit Caring Together which provides comprehensive guidance tailored for carers.
πΌ Applying for Carer's Allowance
Even if you think you might not be eligible, it can sometimes be worth applying for Carer's Allowance as your circumstances might allow for it. You can get step-by-step guidance and apply online here.
πΌ Income Threshold and More Information
Remember, to be eligible for Carer's Allowance, your weekly earnings must be Β£151 or less after deductions. For more in-depth information about Carer's Allowance and other benefits, you can visit the Caring Together Money and Benefits page.
By exploring these options and reaching out to local services, you can find the support you need to manage your finances while fulfilling your caring responsibilities in Peterborough.
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Once a month it's useful to reflect on how you're doing in different areas.
Just select an area of the care circle to update how you're getting on.
Ask Bridgit on WhatsApp π± is your go-to for caregiving advice, accessible anytime, anywhere. π
Although it's a not a real person, Bridgit is equipped with the knowledge to support you. π
π€ Not sure what help you need? Just choose a structured conversation by choosing a topic below.
We'll ask you a few questions, and based on your responses, you'll receive tailored support, including valuable info and personalised PDF plans, directly through WhatsApp. πΌ
Are you looking for help in your caring role?
In a short conversation we'll learn a bit about you and the person you're caring for and then create a simple plan with:
π Insights into managing the specific condition of the person you're caring for.
π€ Guidance on accessing and using these services effectively.
π Links to online resources and communities for carers.
Looking for Wellbeing Support?
In our quick chat, we'll discuss your current engagement in physical activities, stress management practices, and hobbies that uplift you. We'll create a plan featuring:
πββοΈ Suggestions for physical activities suited to your lifestyle.
π§ββοΈ Tips on mindfulness and meditation, tailored to how often you can practice.
π¨ Ideas for hobbies and activities that can boost your mood and well-being.
Thinking About Getting Back to Work?
Let's have a quick chat to understand your current situation and your aspirations for returning to work. We'll create a concise plan that includes:
π Advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with work.
π Information on flexible working options and support for carers in the workplace.
π Tips on updating your CV and preparing for interviews.
Balancing Work and Care Responsibilities?
In our brief discussion, we'll explore how you can effectively manage both your professional life and caregiving duties. Your personalized plan will include:
βοΈ Strategies for achieving a work-care balance.
π
Tips on time management and setting priorities.
π€ Information on workplace rights and support for carers.
Navigating Financial Support & Benefits for Carers?
Join us for a brief chat to delve into the financial aspects of caregiving. We'll help you create a plan encompassing:
π° Detailed information on benefits and financial support options specifically for carers.
π Step-by-step guidance on applying for these benefits.
π οΈ Tools and resources to help manage your finances effectively as a carer.
Considering Taking Time Out as a Carer?
In our short conversation, we'll discuss your need for a break from caregiving. We'll then formulate a plan that includes:
ποΈ Tips on how to plan for time off and respite care options.
π Strategies for ensuring continuity of care during your absence.
π§ββοΈ Suggestions for relaxation and rejuvenation activities.
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Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged overΒ many years.
The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:
A person with Parkinson's disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.
These include:
See a GP if you're concerned that you may have symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
They'll ask about the problems you're experiencing and mayΒ refer you to a specialist for further tests.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. ThisΒ leads to a reductionΒ in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. A reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Exactly what causes the loss of nerve cells is unclear. Most experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible.
Most people with Parkinson's start to develop symptoms when they're over 50, although some people with the condition first experience symptomsΒ when they're under 40.
Men are slightly more likely to get Parkinson's disease than women.
Although there's currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, treatments are available to help reduce the main symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.
These include:
You may not need any treatment during the early stages of Parkinson's disease, as symptoms are usually mild.
But you may need regular appointments with your specialist so your condition can be monitored.
As the condition progresses,Β the symptoms of Parkinson's diseaseΒ can get worse and it can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help.
ManyΒ people respond well to treatment and only experience mild to moderate disability, whereas the minority may not respond as well and can, in time, becomeΒ more severely disabled.
Parkinson's diseaseΒ does not directly cause people to die, but the condition can place great strain on the body, and can make some people more vulnerable to serious and life-threatening infections.
But with advances in treatment, most people with Parkinson's disease now have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.
Find out more about living with Parkinson's disease
It may alsoΒ be useful to read information and advice on:Β
Parkinson's UK is the main Parkinson's support and research charity in the UK.
They can help if you're living with the disease and let you know about support groups in the area.
Find out more about support groups in your local area from the Parkinson's UK website.
You can contact them by:
You can also talk to others about your experiences of Parkinson's on the community forum on the Parkinson's UK website.
If you:
Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.
You can also read more about working and supporting someoneβs health or care on GOV.UK.
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Our support tool captures data from you in order to create your personal support plan.
Through this tool we capture information such as the areas you'd like support with, medications and conditions you'd like advice with, and your location so we can find local events and services close to you.
By using our tool you are consenting for Bridgit Care (Part of Upstream Outcomes Ltd) to process your information in order to receive your personalised support plan.
Bridgit Care is an online platform designed to support unpaid carers by providing information and tools tailored to your needs, exactly when you need them.
Whether you're looking for advice, local resources, or practical guidance, our platform is here to complement - not replace - the in-person services available in your area.
Our goal is to help you navigate your caring role more easily by connecting you to the right information and support at the right time.
If you would like more information, please contact contact@bridgit.care
This tool is designed to help anyone that has somebody that relies on them. Whether that's a friend, neighbour or family member.
You may not identify as a 'carer' and that's fine. This tool is just here to help you navigate all the advice and guidance that's out there on the internet and connect you to the support you need in your local area.
You can access your report in seconds and start getting support straightaway.
We've built this tool to allow you to add content over time, track progress on how you're doing and also make sure you get targeted information to help.
This hopefully will help you spend less time searching for the support you need, and help free up your time.
Your report contains advice, support and guidance from trusted sources from around the UK. From organisations like the NHS, Age UK and Carers UK. The report is split into sections.
In the 'Support' area we provide you with local events, advice, support and services and ideas to try. You can add to this plan over time and share the areas you're struggling with (called 'Challenges') so that we can make sure the advice we provide is based on your needs.
In the 'Dashboard' you can update how you're doing in the different areas of your caring role and overall life, and track this over time. If supported in your area it also allows you to book in for a personal care coach call with our team, or have a live chat on any areas we can help.
In the 'Health' section you can add conditions or medications that you'd like to keep track off and see advice from the NHS on each area. You can use this to also track the medications and conditions of the person you're caring for.
In the 'Downloads' section we've produced some easy to read and accessible packs for you that you can download and use. Containing advice, templated and things to try. You can even print it out if you find it useful.
In the report you can sign up for regular email supports. You'll receive emails with support on the specific areas you've asked for help with as well as a monthly personalised list of upcoming events that you might like to go to.
If supported in your area you'll see options to book a chat, video or phone call with our team to talk about any areas you'd like support on. We're hear to listen and support you in any way we can.
Family carers around the UK already do so much to support the people they care for which in turn helps to keep our health and social care system running.
As a Social Enterprise Bridgit Care is committed to supporting the family carer community and receive funding for these service from government organisations and grants.
When you reach your report page you'll have the option to provide your email address. If you decide to provide it and submit your address to us, then you'll receive regular support emails from the Bridgit Care team with things like upcoming events, new caring advice or services At anytime if you decide you no longer want to receive support emails you can just click 'Unsubscribe' on any of the support mails.
You can also review our Privacy Policy for further information and please contact us if you have any questions or concerns please on our email contact@bridgit.care.
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We provide you with a share link for your report to send to others. This link is view only so that others can view the content but not make any edits.
This tool is completely safe to use and completely free.
The tool is being provided to you by either your local authority or NHS Trust, depending upon where you live.
All policies and Terms/Conditions are available at the bottom of the tools report for you to read so you can see how your data is protected.
We are sorry to hear you couldn't find the right help.
Our support tool is constantly updating, If there is something that you needed help with and you couldn't find it we would like to hear from you. That way, we can update the tool to help you and other carers.
You can either leave us some feedback (at the top of the tool) or send us an email at contact@bridgit.care
In the meantime, if supported within your region, and you need additional support please book a carer coach session with the Bridgit Care Team to talk through any areas you need help with
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