A person who was close to giving up work due to the demands of their unpaid caring role at home has stayed in paid employment thanks to Focus, who is commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB).
The carer has been looking after their partner who is living with dementia. Despite the demanding nature of their caregiving role, the carer is equally passionate about their career.
Feeling overwhelmed and close to giving up work, Focus recognised the challenges the carer was facing and stepped in to provide tailored support to help them balance both responsibilities. They arranged for professional care workers to assist the cared-for person through weekly carer sits, which would allow the carer to have a break. A robust contingency plan was established to ensure continuous care in the event that the carer was unavailable.
Since these plans have been put in place, the carer said they have felt more comfortable in leaving their partner for a period of time without worrying about their welfare. They also shared that this time has allowed them to get ‘out and about more’ and that their partner has been enjoying spending time with someone else.
In alignment with the collaborative ethos of North East Lincolnshire, agencies are working together to provide comprehensive, holistic support to the carer. As well as the formal statutory services from Focus, the carer is also receiving support from Navigo’s Admiral Nurses and the North East Lincolnshire Carers Support Service.
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “Far too often, carers of all ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role. It is crucial that we recognise the contribution they make to their families, local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need”
Debbie Harding, Head of Service (Practice) at Focus, added: “The comprehensive support provided by Focus and other local support services has empowered the carer to continue in their caregiving role while pursuing their professional career. This case highlights the importance of such assistance in enhancing the wellbeing of carers and enabling them to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.”
Social work for adults is delivered across three community interest companies commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and 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.
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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