CarersIntroduction
A carer is anyone who looks after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, mental health problems, physical or learning disability or illness. There are approximately 5.7 million carers in Britain excluding health professionals and care workers.
Most carers are between the ages of 45 and 64, with a slightly higher proportion of women than men. However, many carers are outside that age group with many young carers caring for a parent, sibling or other relative. Many parent carers look after disabled children, and a large number of older people provide significant care to others.
Many carers provide personal care such as bathing, washing, dressing and toileting. Many also provide physical help with getting in and out of bed, walking and getting up and down stairs.
Caring for someone can be physically exhausting and emotionally demanding. Many carers have to give up employment, leading to loneliness, living on Government benefits and consequent financial difficulties.
Continue to the next section "Facts"
Most carers are between the ages of 45 and 64, with a slightly higher proportion of women than men. However, many carers are outside that age group with many young carers caring for a parent, sibling or other relative. Many parent carers look after disabled children, and a large number of older people provide significant care to others.
Many carers provide personal care such as bathing, washing, dressing and toileting. Many also provide physical help with getting in and out of bed, walking and getting up and down stairs.
Caring for someone can be physically exhausting and emotionally demanding. Many carers have to give up employment, leading to loneliness, living on Government benefits and consequent financial difficulties.
Continue to the next section "Facts"
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Domestic violence
IntroductionDomestic violence is any form of violence between people who already have a relationship, or have had one in the past, for example husband and wife, or former partners. Adults of all ages, genders, races and sexualities can be affected.
The term ‘domestic violence’ covers a range of different situations that can happen in your home or elsewhere. It only applies to people over 18.
Although both men and women can be affected, over 80% of victims are women. Over 12 million incidents a year happen to women and figures may be even higher if more people reported the violence. Women are also more at risk from repeated violence and more at risk of serious injury, and even death. Domestic violence can also have a serious effect on children.
Most forms of domestic violence are criminal offences. People who carry it out can be punished in a court of law.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you may feel unable to ask for help or take control of the situation. You may want to seek help, but feel afraid of what the consequences could be. It’s important to remember that there are many confidential organisations out there that can help you.
Continue to the next section "Definition"
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Family support
Introduction
Family life isn't always easy, and it's not uncommon to feel angry, depressed or stressed when things go wrong. Coping with divorce, coming to terms with adoption, dealing with neglect or abuse, or living with parents who don't understand you are all examples of difficult family issues that put a lot of strain on relationships.
Family problems can often be very sensitive and emotional, and it can be hard to know what to do for the best. It's important to remember that you are not alone - try talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, close friend, social worker or teacher.
Talking to other people with similar experiences can also help. There are many support groups for parents and carers that give people the chance to tell their own stories and give support to each other.
For more serious problems, such as child abuse or domestic violence, there are specialist organisations that can help. You can talk through the problem confidentially with advisors who are trained to give support and help. In cases where a person's safety is in danger, social services or the police may need to be informed, but this will be discussed first.
Sometimes families have to separate for the health and welfare of all. This may involve children moving into a foster or care home, or the parents separating and moving to different places. Sometimes families are divided by long-term illness or disability that stops a family member living at home.
Whatever the problem, there are a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes social workers, youth workers, family support workers, parent and child centres, support groups, and counselling services. These types of services help families to improve and work through difficult issues, ensure children have a stable environment to live in, and provide support for parents who are finding it hard to cope.
Family life isn't always easy, and it's not uncommon to feel angry, depressed or stressed when things go wrong. Coping with divorce, coming to terms with adoption, dealing with neglect or abuse, or living with parents who don't understand you are all examples of difficult family issues that put a lot of strain on relationships.
Family problems can often be very sensitive and emotional, and it can be hard to know what to do for the best. It's important to remember that you are not alone - try talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, close friend, social worker or teacher.
Talking to other people with similar experiences can also help. There are many support groups for parents and carers that give people the chance to tell their own stories and give support to each other.
For more serious problems, such as child abuse or domestic violence, there are specialist organisations that can help. You can talk through the problem confidentially with advisors who are trained to give support and help. In cases where a person's safety is in danger, social services or the police may need to be informed, but this will be discussed first.
Sometimes families have to separate for the health and welfare of all. This may involve children moving into a foster or care home, or the parents separating and moving to different places. Sometimes families are divided by long-term illness or disability that stops a family member living at home.
Whatever the problem, there are a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes social workers, youth workers, family support workers, parent and child centres, support groups, and counselling services. These types of services help families to improve and work through difficult issues, ensure children have a stable environment to live in, and provide support for parents who are finding it hard to cope.
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Respite care
IntroductionRespite care is a short break away from your carer, which provides a rest for yourself and your carer. If you are being cared for in your home because of illness, disability or frailty, your Social Services Department may be able to offer respite care services to support your carer to continue their caring role.
Respite care can take place in a variety of settings. It might be for a few hours a day at a day centre; or for a few days, or a couple of weeks in a residential home or nursing home or living with an approved support family in some areas. A sitting service at home can also sometimes be arranged.
Continue to the next section "How does it work?"
