|
|
The story of Dementia Care Partnership (DCP) is unique because the idea to set up a local charity to provide local services for local carers and their relatives evolved when discussing their experiences at a local carers support group in Blakelaw, outer west Newcastle. It is a good example of how timely help, advice and support enable carers to carry out:
- The caring role with less guilt
- Enjoy a better quality of life
- Give time to contribute to influencing policy, service planning and development, and even setting up a charity
Carers are the experts as they know first hand what it is like caring for a loved one and they are best placed in identifying gaps in services.
Dementia Care Partnership was thus set up by carers, in order to provide good quality person-centred services for people with dementia. The carers played a key role in developing and delivering the services and continued to evaluate them. This served two purposes – (1) it gave people with dementia a better quality of life, and (2) because the carers felt their loved ones were well looked after, they themselves felt confident to leave the person they were caring for and enjoy some life of their own.
Sharing experiences through support groups
Dementia Care Partnership recognises that caring for someone with dementia or mental illness is a shared problem and advocates a ‘shared care approach’. This involves a vital Carer Support Service which includes:-
- A monthly Carers Forum - this is a chance for carers to meet others in a similar situation and share experiences and learn from one another.
- Home visits - this is a chance to talk to our Carer Services Coordinator on a one-to-one basis.
- Telephone advice, support and information.
- Information sessions ie free legal workshops, speakers including benefits agency advice, telecare etc.
- Partnership working with other voluntary organisations, including Newcastle Carers Centre.
- Information sharing and service evaluation - this is an opportunity to learn about new developments, or voice concerns regarding services within DCP and to try to resolve issues with our Director.
- Opportunity to join in activities - with the person you care for, or just you as a carer.
- Support and advice when the person you care for can no longer stay at home, and also during bereavement.
- Opportunities to make friends and join in social activities with other carers.
Sharing experiences and knowledge as trainers:
At DCP, the experiences and knowledge of carers are valued very much. They are seen as the best teachers for training the workforce. It is rewarding to see carers who once were tired and exhausted, gaining confidence as trainers and contributing to influencing good practice.
Being a voice for other carers
DCP recognises the role of carers in influencing service plan, design and development and involves carers in all planning and development groups within DCP. Our organisation also encourages carers to take part in various strategy meetings externally.
Carers as trustees/board of directors
Carers from the support groups who have the time to devote are encouraged to become members of the board of trustees to ensure and enable DCP to remain very much a carer-led organisation.
For further information on the Carer Support Service, please contact:
Rosemary Robson,
Carer Services Coordinator
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 217 1323
E-mail info@dementiacare.org.uk
^^ Back to top | Home
|
|
