An unpaid carer who gave up work to care for their older relatives after they became unwell has been given a yearly bus pass to help them continue in their vital role.
The carer was concerned about the financial impact daily trips to care for their relatives was having on them.
Many carers experience financial pressure due to their caregiving responsibilities, but the support Focus has given them has meant their financial pressures have been eased.
The unpaid carer originally worked in the paid care profession but felt they needed to give up their work when their older relatives became unwell. The carer was happy to do this and felt that with their expertise in the caring profession, it was the right thing to do.
They attend their relatives’ house daily and support both relatives with personal care, medications, meal preparation, and maintaining their home. The carer does not drive and uses public transport to get to and from their relatives’ house, sometimes twice a day. They also use public transport to help collect shopping and medication.
The carer explained to the Focus social worker that they wanted to continue their caring role, but were concerned about bus fare costs and the financial impact it would have on them, potentially affecting their ability to perform their caring role in the long-term.
The social worker proposed a one-off Carers Direct Payment to cover the cost of a yearly bus pass, which has enabled them to continue in their caring role.
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “Around 14,000 people across North East Lincolnshire care for a loved one, according to the most recent Census in 2021. This case study highlights the crucial importance of recognising these financial challenges and providing support to help ease the associated impact. To some, it may just be a bus pass, but for this carer, it is a lifeline to support two elderly relatives who are in need of daily support.”
Debbie Harding, Head of Service (Practice) at Focus, added: “Carers Week highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers and celebrates the invaluable contributions they make to the lives of the people they care for and the community. Focus takes pride in recognising the significance of thoroughly understanding a caregiver’s circumstances and providing them with empowering and supportive solutions to help them sustain their vital caregiving roles.”
Adult social care is delivered across three community interest companies commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB). Focus, Care Plus Group and Navigo employ nearly 2,000 people. Locally, there are 145 social workers for adults across statutory, voluntary and community services.
Focus social workers give advice and guidance, assess people’s needs, arrange for services to meet their eligible needs, periodically review each individual’s needs and adjust support plans and services accordingly.
The most recent Census 2021 found that there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK and that 1.7 million people in the UK are providing 50 or more hours of care per week.
Carers Week, an annual campaign run by Carers UK, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, recognising the outstanding contribution they make to their families, friends and communities.
This year, the theme ‘Caring About Equality’ is highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and poor mental and physical health. Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on the carer’s life, both day-to-day and long-term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school and work.
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