Northamptonshire Unpaid Carer Guide
Section 1 - Who is a Carer?
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Section 4 – Carer Support Health and Well-being Loneliness and Isolation Supporting your own Mental Well-being/Health
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Who is a Carer?
Adult Carer 5 Young Carer & Young Adult Carer 6 Parent Carer 6 Former Carer 7 Your rights as a Carer 7 How might Caring affect me? 7 Section 2 – Caring for... 8 Mental Health 8 Physical Disability / Health 9 Learning Disability 10 Neurodiversity 10 Dementia 11 A child 12 Addiction & Recovery 14 Sensory Impairment 15 Sudden Illness 16 Section 3 – Adult & Children Social Care 17 Care Act 2014 17 Care and Support Needs 17 Children & Families Act 2014 18 Carer Assessment 19 Getting An Assessment 20 Adult Social Care 20 Safeguarding 21 Signs of Abuse 22 Who might cause the abuse? 22 Children’s Social Care 23 Children’s Safeguarding 24 ReSPECT 25
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Counselling
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Recovery College
IAPT
Managing a long-term health condition
Keeping a routine
Exercise
Complementary therapies
Self-help groups
Employment
Flexible working Parental Leave
Carers Leave
GP
Hospital Support Continence Care
Dentist
Opticians Housing
Respite Care
Day Centre Support
Residential Care
Nursing Care
Sheltered Housing Keeping Yourself Safe
Ageing/Frailty
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Section 5 - Financial & Benefits State of Caring survey 2024
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Section 1 - Who is a Carer? Who is a Carer?
Attendance Allowance
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Disabled Facilities Grant Occupational Therapy (OT) Care & Repair services Assistive Technology
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Carers Allowance
PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
Council Tax Reduction Financial Assessment
A Carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
Transport Medication
Self-Funders
Section 8 - Planning Ahead Difficult decisions & Difficult conversations Continuing Healthcare Pathway
Continuing Health Care (CHC)
Paying for Care
Any one of us could find ourselves in this position at any time.
Blue Badge
Section 6 - Legal Matters Lasting Power of Attorney
Ask yourself if your child, parent, friend or spouse suddenly became ill with a condition that required additional support. Would you help them? If so, you would become an unpaid Carer. Often, the Carers we help find themselves in their current position gradually. Loved ones may have needed minor assistance initially but as their needs have grown it has become an increasing pressure on their lives. It is reported that it can take Carers an average 2 years to admit they have fallen into this role. Adult Carer An Adult Carer is an adult who provides unpaid support for someone else. This may be because of illness, disability, age related needs or mental health.
End of life care at home
Marie Curie Palliative Care
Deputyship Advocacy Complaints
Will Writing 85 End of Life Care & Terminal Diagnosis 86 Advance Care Planning 86 SR1 Special Rules 86 Eligible Benefits 86 How to apply 87 Completing the SR1 87 Further Information or Support 88 Hospice Care 88 Comments Section 90 Acronym Jargon Buster 91 Key Contacts 94
Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Deprivation of Assets
Discrimination
Section 7 - Support at Home Equipment & Adaptations
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Low Level Equipment Minor Adaptations Major Adaptations
Unlike paid Carers, an Adult Carer often begins caring to support someone they know like a family member or friend. An Adult Carer may help with day-to-day living, supporting to maintain someone’s safety or assisting with household chores, medication and companionship. The amount of time caring for someone may vary depending on a person’s needs and can be anything from a few hours support each week to 24/7.
VAT Relief
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Young Carer & Young Adult Carer As a Young Carer you may be helping with chores around the house to keep the house manageable for the person you care for such as fetching and carrying. Some of you will be preparing food and drinks, sorting out medication, or looking after younger brothers and sisters. A lot of you will be providing personal care for the person you look after. Most of you will be keeping your eyes and ears open to make sure the person you care for is well and safe, keeping them company, spending more time with them than your friends might be with their family members. Many Young Carers will feel responsible for the emotional well-being of the person they care for. Young Carers can often feel very different to their friends. You may be embarrassed, upset, and even scared of what might happen if people find out. You may sometimes feel sad, tired, guilty or maybe strong and confident. You may feel as though you are quite alone as it is not always easy to know or meet others in the same situation.
Former Carer A Former Carer is someone who through bereavement has lost the person they cared for. It is possible for someone to be both a Former Carer and an active Carer for someone else. Your rights as a Carer www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/guides-and-tools/your-guide-to-the-care- act-england
Under this Act, the following expectations are supported.
• The right not to be discriminated against or harassed under the Equality Act. • The right to choose whether or not to be a Carer. • The right to self-determine willingness and ability to care. • The right to be supported to identify which of the cared-for needs you might be willing and able to support. • The right for the Carer’s views to be considered by Social Services when organizing provision for the cared-for person. • The right to a free flu vaccine. • The right to be identified as a Carer. • The right to have your well-being considered both emotionally and physically. • The right to be able to integrate within the community and access services. • The right to have access to advice and information to support you and the cared for. • The right to have a Carer Assessment (details of what this entails can be found in Section 3).
As a Young Adult Carer, you might be involved in personal care or emotional support for the person you care for,
domestic tasks or general care. It might be difficult to manage your caring role with school, college or work and you may feel isolated and that friends don’t understand what you are going through. Or you might feel your caring role has made you more confident.
Parent Carer A parent Carer is someone who provides support to their child, including grown-up children, who cannot manage without their help due to illness, disability, or mental health issues. Often parent Carers of children and young people don’t use the word ‘Carer’. They may not have considered that the support they provide is above and beyond the norm of a parent.
How might Caring affect me? Being a Carer comes with as many positives as negatives. Sadly, only the negatives are often reported. Caring can sometimes have a negative impact on your own health and well-being. Carers rarely spend time looking after their own health and well-being and can too easily get caught up in caring for someone else.
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You may face lots of change and it may be that no two days look the same. Your caring role may also come and go. It can, therefore, be difficult for people who support someone with a mental health condition to recognise their caring role and how it differs from ‘being there’ for their relative or friend. The invisibility of Mental Health can often make you feel that you are not a Carer, you are. Physical Disability/Health
Carers will often report that their lives are affected in several ways. This includes their ability to be able to work or engage in volunteering/meaningful activity, an increase in stress levels and worry, a reduced level of social and physical engagement such as going for a walk, and a general sense of overwhelming responsibility. Carers also experience something called anticipatory grief when they are supporting someone with a long-term health condition. But you need to care for yourself too, this is vital. Maintaining your own health and well-being will enable you to continue Caring. You are just as important as them. Carer Statistics The 2021 Census estimated the number of unpaid Carers was 5 million in England and Wales. This, together with ONS Census data for Scotland and Northern Ireland, suggests that the number of unpaid Carers across the UK is 5.7 million equating to around 9% of population are providing unpaid care. Carers UK research in 2022 estimated the number of unpaid Carers could be as high as 10.6 million (Carers UK, Carers Week 2022 research report). The latest census showed there are 31,769 unpaid Carers in West Northamptonshire area and 28,909 in North Northamptonshire. Section 2 – Caring for... Mental Health
A “Physical disability” is a broad term. It can cover a wide range of conditions. It is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as a limitation on someone’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina that has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to do everyday activities.
Caring for someone with a Physical health condition will vary. Often this may require a physical level of caring often having to balance helping someone with their own needs whilst maintaining their own. Supporting someone with a Physical Disability might include supporting with:- • Managing their own personal care, including washing and dressing. • Helping them to get around. This may include use of aids like a wheelchair, hoists or medical equipment, adaptations to home and vehicles. It is sometimes easier for us to do things ourselves, tempting to step in and take control. It is important that whilst this maybe a quicker solution we have to remember to promote a person’s independence and allow them to control the level of support required from us. The physical element of your own health may be affected and it important that you recognise when it is time for you to take a break and get further support within your Caring role.
People experiencing a mental health illness is reported to currently affect 1 in 4 people. Caring for someone with a mental health condition can often feel different to other caring roles and you may face slightly different or additional challenges. Often this is where people do not see themselves as a Carer when supporting
someone with Mental Health. This is why it is important when caring for someone with a mental health condition that you access support for you in your caring role.
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Learning Disability A Learning Disability can affect the way a person learns new things throughout their life.
vary and often overlap, making it unique. It is hard to understand and even know what is happening inside someone else’s brain. Caring involves trying to learn a person’s behaviour, understand the way they may be thinking and can involve physically, mentally and emotionally supporting someone. Caring can involve learning and managing behaviours, educating others to understand the cared-for needs, understand the way they may be thinking and educate others to understand this too like health professionals, schools etc. this can involve physically, mentally and emotionally supporting someone. Dementia
A Learning Disability is different for everyone. No two people are the same. It is not always known what may cause someone to have a Learning Disability. It affects the way the brain develops, often from early childhood (injury or illness like meningitis). Supporting someone with a Learning Disability can be complex and demanding. As every Learning Disability is unique, your caring role will also be unique too. This can vary from person to person but may require supporting someone’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Neurodiversity Neurodiversity is a term which refers to the natural diversity of our brains. Neurodivergence is a term which refers to the way a person’s brain processes, behaves, and learns things, often considered “typical”.
Currently there are around 944,000 people estimated to be living with dementia in the UK. There are an estimated 9,163 people over the age of 65 living with dementia in the Northamptonshire. Dementia is a terminal condition and 1 in 3 of us will die with it. (May 2025- latest available)
The diagnosis rate is currently 66.3 % so 6,076 have received a diagnosis. (May 2025- latest available). Someone develops the condition every three minutes. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe over 200 sub-types of dementia, for example, Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. Each type stops a person’s brain cells (neurones) working properly in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual. We recognise that caring for someone with dementia can have its challenges, however, can also be rewarding knowing that you are assisting someone you love to continue to live as independent life as possible, gaining knowledge on the needs and how to support them.
Neurodiversity covers a range of Neurodivergent conditions like:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Dyslexia • Dyspraxia • Dyscalculia • TIC disorders (e.g. Tourette’s Syndrome)
At least one in five people in the UK are thought to be neurodivergent. This means they may think, behave, and process information differently to ‘neurotypical’ people.
Caring for someone who is Neurodivergent can vary. A person’s condition can
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Symptoms of Dementia can include: • Experience memory problems • Issues with reasoning • Find it hard to plan and make decisions. • Show behavioural and emotional changes • Have low mood and anxiety
Whatever the condition, there is a difference with “caring” for your child compared to those who do have had additional physical, mental or learning disability needs. Your child may require regular healthcare treatment at hospital or home, you may have to support with keeping your child safe and personal care beyond that of other children their age. Some children may require extra support to help them overcome challenges, it may affect their behaviour, it may affect their communication or mental health. These are often referred to as Special Educational Needs (SEN) in an education setting.
• Become easily confused • Experience hallucinations • Have problems walking, speaking or swallowing • Daily tasks can become difficult for them to do alone
Further information and advice can be found at:
It is really important that more people are diagnosed earlier. An early diagnosis helps you to access: • The right support to live as well as possible, including treatments to help with symptoms • Information to help you and others understand the changes you or the person you care for are experiencing • Any benefits or legal protection you may be entitled to
www.northamptonshire-carers.org/information-for-parent-carers
West Northants Voices in Partnership www.wnvp.co.uk
Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices www.npcv.co.uk
SENDS 4 Dad – Support for Dads and male Carers who have a child or adult with special educational needs and/or a disability www.sends4dad.org.uk
Speaking to your GP is the starting point.
Riverside Hub SEND sessions www.riversidehub.com/sen
www.dementiauk.org
Families of children with special needs and disabilities are welcome to visit the Hub at any time. They also organise dedicated SEND events especially for these families and their friends.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets A child
Autism Friendly Groups www.autism.org.uk
We aim not to duplicate information that is already available but provide a simple way to access the information relative to autism only. This list includes the groups that we know are open to autistic people with or without a learning disability. Any group requirements, such as age and diagnosis, are included with the group information.
If your child has been diagnosed with an illness, disability or sensory impairment and needs a lot of additional support daily, they are described as having “complex needs”. A child might have complex needs from birth, or after an illness or injury. Your child may also be diagnosed or awaiting an assessment for a Neurodiversity like Autism.
www.familyfund.org.uk
Accessibility Passes are available at all theme parks and a Carer pass to assist
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with additional needs.
fear for the Carer.
www.merlinannualpass.co.uk
For local support go to: www.familysupportlink.co.uk
Acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues.
Family Support Link’s mission is to provide accessible and non-judgemental support across Northamptonshire, we aim to reduce the physical, psychological and emotional harm caused to families and individuals living with or caring for someone who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Sensory Impairment A sensory impairment or sensory disability is the common term used to describe: • Hearing Impairment and Deafness A sensory disability (or sensory impairment) is one which affects one or more of the senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste or spatial awareness. A person does not need to have full loss of a sense to have a sensory impairment, and some minor impairments are very common. • Visual Impairment, Sight Loss or Blindness • Dual Sensory Impairment (Deaf Blindness) A person does not have to have a full loss of a sense to be considered impaired. A person may be born with a Sensory Impairment, or this can develop throughout their life. With all our senses, we require the use of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell to process. Not having partial or total control of a sense can change the way a person processes their day-to-day life, and they may then require assistance to remain safe, complete aspects of daily living or communicate effectively with others. This assistance comes in the form of things such as assistive technology, adaptations to the home or work environment and assistance animals. Local organisations can support with this as well as help with social engagement via community-based groups, talking books and training for Carers.
www.accesscard.online Addiction & Recovery
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. A person can be addicted to anything however
most associated with the use of alcohol and drugs. Other forms of addiction can include gambling, smoking, sex, solvents, shopping and even work.
An addiction to something can lead to a dependency. This is where the person is “dependant” on whatever they are addicted too. There are lots of reasons why an addiction begins, sometimes this isn’t known. This could be for the way something makes them feel physically and mentally, it can make someone feel powerful and create an enjoyment. A person may experience a feeling “high” and can often then make this hard to stop. Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a “come down”. Because this can be unpleasant, it’s easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues. Caring for somebody who has an addiction can be challenging and can often leave a Carer frustrated, confused and fear with constant worry. There is often a fear of not knowing who to talk too due to the stigmas attached to addiction. With a person who has an addiction there comes highs and lows, maybe due to withdrawal or treatment. This can then impact the Carer. There could be displays of aggression and/or verbal and physical abuse towards the Carer. In addition, this could pull the person into criminality again causing stigma and
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Support is often offered in the home, and this supports the persons daily living as well as how it affects their family. As well as practical support, local organisations will support with the emotional impact of living with a sensory impairment. www.nab.org.uk
Further information can be found at:
www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/what-we-do/
www.macmillan.org.uk Section 3 – Adult & Children Social Care Care Act 2014 An Act to make provision to reform the law relating to care and support for adults and the law relating to support for Carers; to make provision about safeguarding adults from abuse or neglect; to make provision about care standards; to establish and make
www.deafconnect.org.uk
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/living-home/visual-impairment-service
www.westnorthants.gov.uk/getting-right-care-and-support/visual-impairment- service
www.sense.org.uk/our-services/centres/rothwell/ Sudden Illness
provision about Health Education England; to establish and make provision about the Health Research Authority; to make provision about integrating care and support with health services; and for connected purposes. The Care Act 2014 puts people and their Carers in control of their care and support. It has a has a number of core duties: • Assessing whether people have care and support needs, and then establishing their eligibility for publicly funded care and support. • Providing Carer assessment. • Safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. Under the Care Act where it appears as a local authority that a Carer may have needs for support the authority must assess. The duty to carry out a Carer assessment applies regardless of the authorities view of the level of the Carer’s needs for support, or the level of the Carer’s financial resources or of those of the adult needing care. Care and Support Needs The Care Act states that local councils must provide or arrange services that help prevent people from developing a need for care and support, or delay people deteriorating to the point where they will need long-term care and
No one plans to become a Carer. There are times when the unthinkable happens and many families are affected by sudden illnesses. Coming to terms with an illness can be very difficult, particularly when it is sudden. It can affect people in lots of different ways. While we can’t really prepare for being faced with sudden illness, it might help to know that you’re not alone in how you are feeling about it. Some people find that they ask for lots of information when faced with illness suddenly. Others feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to take in any details. Understanding your illness can be an important step in helping you feel more in control. Many people experience difficult emotions when they or a loved one is suddenly ill. You might initially feel numb or in shock about what has happened and find it difficult to know how to respond. Some people talk about it feeling like it’s a bad dream and that they can’t believe it is happening to them. You might struggle with feeling a loss of control. Feelings such as fear, sadness, anger and guilt are common. You might find it difficult to sleep and feel exhausted. These emotions are difficult and can be very intense, but at the same time, it’s important to remember that they are normal, won’t harm you and should ease with time.
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support. So, who has care and support needs?
substantial changes and new provisions to various areas of child welfare and family law. The areas covered included:
Councils must provide information and advice on how people can lead healthier and more active lives, and on what care and support will be available to them should the need arise. Under the Care Act you have a right to be assessed for free by your local council if you appear to need care and support to complete activities in your day-to-day life. You have this right to be assessed regardless of your financial situation, or whether the council thinks you will then be eligible for support from them. The assessment must be carried out with involvement from you and, where appropriate, someone who looks after you (perhaps a relative or friend). It can also involve someone else nominated by you to help you get your views and wishes heard, or an independent advocate provided by the council.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Adoption
Family Justice
Children and young people with Special Educations Needed (SEN) and disabilities
Childcare
Child Welfare
The Children’s Commissioner 7, 8 & 9 Working Rights to Leave and Pay
More information can be found online www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-for-education/about Carer Assessment A Carer Assessment is the opportunity for the Carer to express and document their thoughts and feelings in relation to the caring role. The purpose is to identify support that the Carer may need now or in the future to help maintain the caring role should they wish to do so. The duty to carry out a Carer Assessment applies regardless of the authority’s view of the level of the Carer’s needs for support, or the level of the Carer’s financial resources. The Carer Assessment will look at:
An older person
People with mental health needs including Dementia and Personality Disorders
Someone with physical and/or learning disabilities and or sensory impairments
Care and Support needs
People who have been sexually exploited, domestically abused or forced into modern slavery
People with long-term health conditions
• The caring role and how it affects the Carer’s day to day life • The Carer’s health – physical, mental and emotional • The Carer’s feelings and choices about caring • Work, study, training and leisure • Relationships, social activities and the Carer’s goals • Housing • Crisis and contingency planning
People who misuse alcohol and/or substances where it e ects their ability to manage day to day living
Children & Families Act 2014 The Children and Families Act is a wide-ranging act designed to fully reform services for vulnerable children, by giving them greater protection, paying special attention to those with additional needs, and helping parents and the family as a whole. There are nine parts to the Act, each of which makes
A Carer Assessment must include an assessment of
• Whether the Carer is able, and is likely to continue to be able, to provide care for the adult needing care
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• Whether the Carer is willing, and is likely to continue to be willing, to provide care for the adult needing care • The impact of the Carer’s needs for support on their well being • The outcomes that the Carer wishes to achieve in day-to-day life, and whether, and if so to what extent, the provision of support could contribute to the achievement of those outcomes. A Carer Assessment must include the Carer, and any person whom the Carer asks the authority to involve. Getting an assessment Northamptonshire Carers are commissioned by the North and West Northamptonshire Councils to provide Carer Assessments. To get an assessment you can self-refer to Northamptonshire Carers via their website www.northamptonshire-carers.org or call 01933 677907 Adult Social Care
time limited, usually with the intention of maximising the independence of the individual using the care service and eliminating their need for ongoing support. Long-term services are provided on an ongoing basis and range from high-intensity services such as nursing care to lower-intensity community support. Both long-term and short-term care are arranged by a local authority and could be described as ‘formal’ care. If you are finding it difficult to look after yourself or live the way you want to, you can request an assessment to discuss your care and support needs.
This assessment will help the council to find out:
• If you need care and support • The level of care and support you need • How your needs can be met • How you are already supported by your family and other
Adult Social Care – North Northamptonshire Council
Further information can be found at: 0300 126 3000 – Option 1 | www.northnorthants.gov.uk/adult-social-care
Adult Social Care – West Northamptonshire Council
Further information can be found at: 0300 126 7000 | www.westnorthants.gov.uk/arranging-adult-care/contact- adult-social-care
Adult social care covers a wide range of activities that help people who are older or living with disability or physical or mental illness to live independently and stay well and safe. It can include ‘personal care’, such as support for washing, dressing and getting out of bed in the morning, as well as wider support to help people stay active and engaged in their communities. Social care includes support in people’s own homes (home care or domiciliary care); support in day centres; care provided by residential homes and nursing homes (care homes); reablement services to help people regain independence; the provision of aids and adaptations for people’s homes; information and advice; and support for family Carers.
Safeguarding If you believe you are being abused or neglected, or you think someone you know is at risk of abuse or neglect, then it is important to tell someone. You do not need to know everything about the situation or what is happening. You may just be worried
Social care is often broken down into two broad categories of ‘short-term care’ and ‘long-term care’. Short-term care refers to a care package that is
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or feel that something is not right.
worker in a care home • A paid professional such as a health or social care worker • Another resident or person who uses care services • Or someone you met online who is attempting to abuse you sexually, financially • Someone who has knocked on your door offering a service who then exhorts money from you, known as rogue doorstop trader • Can also be a stranger To find out more about recognising and reporting different types of abuse, visit the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board website. www.northamptonshiresab.org.uk Children’s Social Care Caring for a child or young person can come with its own challenges to navigate. The additional pressure can add significant strain to families doing their best to ensure their young person’s needs are being met. It can be hard to do this alone. The local authority has a responsibility to ensure that children in their area are free from harm, safe and supported. Children’s Social Care describes personal care and other practical support or assistance for children or young people needing additional support. This can be because a young person has a disability, is within the foster care systems, or needs protection from harm. In cases where families may be struggling and needing help, the local authority can assess the needs of a child and put in place further support in the form of care packages, personal assistants and day or in some cases overnight breaks. This ensures that the whole family is supported. These assessments are completed by social workers within the ‘Children with Disabilities Team’. Within Northamptonshire requests for a needs assessment are made via a single point of access route. An email can be sent to MASH@nctrust.co.uk with the name of the child, and a brief outline of their diagnoses, difficulties they are facing, what support the family may be looking for.
To Report a concern visit: West Northamptonshire Council
0300 126 7000 or www.westnorthants.gov.uk/about-us/safeguarding
0300 126 3000 www.northnorthants.gov.uk/arranging-care/report- safeguarding-concern-about-adult Abuse can take different forms. These include: • Physical abuse • Domestic abuse which includes Female Genital Mutilation, Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage
• Sexual abuse • Psychological • Financial or material abuse (which includes hate crime)
• Discriminatory abuse • Organisational abuse • Neglect • Self-neglect
• Modern slavery Signs of Abuse There are many signs of abuse. These include when someone:
• Shows changes in behaviour without reason • Has an injury that is difficult to explain • Seems frightened around certain people • Appears unusually sad or withdrawn • Does not have access to their own finances Who might cause the abuse? The person who is carrying out the abuse is often known to the person and can be: • A relative, friend, or neighbour • A paid worker or volunteer, for example from a domiciliary agency or a
This is then looked at by MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Team) decision makers who will send the request to the teams or departments to follow this
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up and the team will contact you to discuss what they can offer your family.
Hub (MASH).
There are different levels of support offered by Children’s Trust; these include:
The MASH team brings together staff and information from the following agencies within Northamptonshire:
• Early Help Assessment • Child in Need Assessment • Child at risk of significant harm enquiry (for those children who are at risk of being harmed due to abuse or neglect) www.contact.org.uk Contact for families with disabled children have a section on requesting a needs assessment and provide a letter template to use. If Parent Carers who have used the template and were successful with their assessments or support. Children’s Safeguarding Safeguarding is the term we use when speaking about measures taken to protect someone’s health and well-being from harm, neglect or abuse. When we talk about safeguarding, it can seem scary, but this is a way to ensure that people’s needs are being met in the best and safest way to remove the risk of harm. Children’s Social Care Services have a duty under the Children’s Act 1989 to make enquires to decide if they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm. Significant harm can happen to children living in families, in children’s homes, residential schools and young offenders’ institutions. It can be caused by family members, and or Carers. It can also be caused by agencies such as health, education, police, social services. We are also now much more aware that significant harm can be caused by children being exploited by individuals they come across in their day-to-day lives. This can lead to exploitation/trafficking by criminal gangs pulling children into being sexually exploited or becoming part of a county line (dealing substances). Children can also come under the influence of extremism leading to radicalisation. Safeguarding is not there to offer judgement or interfere unnecessarily but is a layer of protection to ensure safety and get the right support in place to help.
• Children’s Social Care • Crime Reduction Initiative • Domestic Abuse Advisor • Early Help Team • East Midlands Ambulance Service • Education • Fire and Rescue Service
• Health • Police • Probation Service • Youth Offending Team
Together these agencies will review information they have and decide whether a safeguarding enquiry under the Children’s Act 1989 should be undertaken. If there are concerns about the welfare of a child or young person a safeguarding referral can be raised by contacting MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) on 0300 126 7000 or complete a referral online at www.nctrust.co.uk ReSPECT ReSPECT is a process that creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care and treatment if there’s an emergency in the future that would leave them unable to discuss what’s important to them. Through conversations between a person, their family or legal representative, and their healthcare professionals, we can create recommendations for emergency care and treatment based on what really matters to that person, and what is realistic about the care available. Many parts of England and Scotland have now adopted the ReSPECT process.
Whenever anyone is worried about a child, for example a teacher or health visitor, they will make a referral to the team at the Multi-Agency Safeguarding
How does ReSPECT work? ReSPECT and decision-making conversations happen between a person, their
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families, and their health and care professionals. These conversations help create an understanding of what is important to the person.
of a healthy diet and physical activity, and we now understand that emotional happiness and social activity is also key to our state of mind. There are many ways to engage, and this can be a 10-minute walk, talk with a neighbour, visiting local attractions or attending church or craft groups. You may be someone who prefers to do things at home and there are many Apps and programmes that offer mindfulness, meditation and general well-being services. Here are some local organisations who support well-being.
Patient preferences and clinical recommendations are discussed and recorded on a non-legally binding form which can be reviewed and adapted if circumstances change.
Who is ReSPECT for?
One Stop Shops- North and West Northamptonshire Councils
The ReSPECT process can be for anyone but will have increasing relevance for people who have complex health needs, people who are likely to be nearing the end of their lives, and people who are at risk of sudden deterioration or cardiac arrest. Some people will want to record their care and treatment preferences for other reasons. This will be completed with a healthcare professional. The ReSPECT process is increasingly being adopted within health and care communities around the UK. Section 4 – Carer Support
www.actionforhappiness.org
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/walking-and-cycling/wellbeing-walks
www.westnorthants.gov.uk/wellbeing-service
www.servicesix.co.uk
www.northamptonshiremind.org.uk
Loneliness and Isolation Sadly, approximately 81% of unpaid Carers frequently or always feel lonely or isolated because they are caring for a loved one. Of those caring for a disabled child, 93% feel lonely or isolated as do 89% of young Carers up to the age of 24 years old.
Health and Well-being When we think about our health and well-being, we often assume this relates to physical health. We are more likely to put our well-being on hold if we are caring for someone else. Carers do not always recognise that the impact of caring affects their general well-being. By this we mean their happiness and ability to enjoy life. This might be as simple as going for a short walk or may be linked to religion or spirituality. Good well-being affects your health, and many studies have shown how being able to engage in our community and being happy will improve our overall health. We know about the importance
There is an expectation that those juggling work commitments with caring responsibilities would not feel as lonely, yet worryingly, 71% of working Carers feel lonely or isolated when at work. Unpaid Carers, through no fault of their own, lose contact with family and friends with 61% worrying about the negative effect their caring responsibilities has on their closest relationships.
Carers who said they felt lonely or socially isolated are almost twice as likely to
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report a worsening of their physical and mental health as a result of a caring role than those who did not feel lonely.
• Open up and discuss your concerns with others, perhaps with someone in the family you are close to who you trust or a good friend. • Consider some lifestyle changes such as walking outdoors, eating regular and varied meals, reducing caffeine or alcohol intake or living in the present moment otherwise known as mindfulness. Reducing or limiting device screen time and exposure to constant negative news can also help your well- being. • If you are unable to turn to anyone, call Northamptonshire Carers on 01933 677907 and we can help signpost you to find the right support for you, such as our SPRING social prescribing service. • If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment by calling 111 or your GP Surgery and ask for an urgent appointment. If someone’s life is at risk, perhaps from self-injury or overdose, call 999 immediately. • Call The Samaritans on 116 123 or if you are under 19, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
Carers who have reached breaking point as a result of caring are twice as likely to say that they are socially isolated because they are unable to leave the house and are also more likely to have experienced depression as a result of caring. Almost half (48%) of Carers said they did not have time to spend on social activities while 31% said they could not afford to participate in social activities, both of which significantly contributed to their feelings of loneliness or social isolation. With all of this, there are ways of trying to improve loneliness and isolation:- • Talk, try and be open and honest to those around you. • Try and make new connections, often with other Carers who will understand your situation. • Try not to compare yourself to others. • Try and push your own boundaries and reduce isolation by setting yourself a daily goal. Supporting your own Mental Well-being/Health There are several types of mental health conditions and depression so seeking medical support if you are experiencing persistent symptoms can help.
Action for Happiness www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys
Counselling Sometimes, caring for others can be isolating and overwhelming. It is OK to seek help. Some of us worry about opening up and talking about issues with strangers, however, you may find you and who you care for benefit in a variety of different ways. Letting worries and concerns increase without doing anything about them can make you less able to go about your caring responsibilities. This in turn can have a negative impact on your mental health and create a downward spiral affect. Even if you are unable to leave the house there will be a form of counselling that you can access.
Some key symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders include:
• Fatigue or exhaustion • Irregular sleep pattern • Changes in eating patterns or appetite • Sense of being worthless and guilt • Unable to concentrate or make decisions easily • Thoughts of death or suicide
Constructive counselling can make a difference. • All unpaid Carers deserve an opportunity to focus on themselves and think about their needs too. • Counselling can help you think about your own circumstance, consider options and
Many of us will experience feeling down for a few days. However, when you are depressed, or suffering with other symptoms for longer, you should seek the appropriate medical advice and support as soon as possible.
We can support each other’s well-being through mental health issues.
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figure out your own coping mechanisms. • Being a qualified listener, a counsellor will help you explore how you feel about yourself and your caring responsibilities. • Counselling usually takes place in a face-to-face setting but if you are unable to get out you could access phone or online counselling. • Your GP can help discuss how you are feeling and guide you to the most appropriate support, and you may be able to access free counselling via the NHS. Recovery College Recovery College NHFT offers you a range of different courses to help you support yourself and others to understand health conditions and help with recovery. Hope, control and opportunity are what we strive for and help our students to achieve. Courses are designed to support you to take control of your own well-being, despite any health challenges you may have. They are produced and presented by a health professional and someone who has personally experienced their own health issues. Courses are related to mental health, physical health, as well as workshops on well-being and opportunities to become more involved in our community. Who is this service for? Our courses are available for people over 18 years old, living in Northamptonshire, who are NHFT current and previous service users, their family and friends, Carers, members of partner organisations, and NHFT staff and are free to attend. For further information visit: www.nhft.nhs.uk/recovery-college/ IAPT Feeling lethargic, unmotivated, not feeling like your usual self? Could you benefit from support by talking to someone or through online programmes working at your own pace? NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies works with people across Northamptonshire who are trying to get back on track, although they may feel stressed, low or anxious.
Managing a long-term health condition Being a full-time unpaid Carer for a loved one can have a negative impact on your own health. Some 70% of unpaid Carers have a long-term health condition. Living with a physical long-term health condition can impact your mental health if you do not take action to manage it appropriately.
Recognising, accepting and learning to live with a long-term health condition can help you adjust to changes and take positive steps to move forward. Regular and appropriate exercise, that supports and provides relief to long- term health conditions will also help your general physical and mental health. Set yourself realistic targets to managing your condition and pace any activities that will help improve it. Setting an action plan with steps to reach your target, and being patient with yourself, will help reduce pressures you may be putting on yourself and didn’t even realise. Your GP or Consultant can offer you advice, support and signposting and, if they are reviewing your conditions regularly, will be well placed to give you the most appropriate advice and guidance. Research other charities that support patients with your specific condition as often they can give you very accurate and up to date information, guidance and support. You may also need some help yourself, and your local Council can arrange a free care needs assessment. If you feel able to, speak to family and friends who may be able to support you, even if it’s with the weekly food shopping or taking you to a hospital appointment.
www.nhft.nhs.uk/talkingtherapies/venue/northamptonshire-nhs-talking- therapies-stuart-road-corby-292/
Depending on your condition and personal care needs you may also qualify for
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Exercise It is recognised that those of us who exercise regularly have better mental health and general well-being and lower rates of mental illness.
benefits such as Attendance Allowance. Keeping a routine Keeping to a routine may not sound important to some, but it can support and improve your mental health and general well-being. Significant life events or changes can throw your routine into disarray which can also compound mental health and well-being issues and those you care for. An effective routine can help reduce stress, so in turn improves your mental health and enables you to have more time to relax with less anxiety. A consistent daily routine can also give you a predictable day helping you feel more in control of everything going on around you and therefore better able to care for your loved one. Being clearer about your tasks, timings and consistency will help you become more efficient in your daily routine which in turn helps you feel under less pressure and more relaxed as you approach the jobs in hand.
Two thirds of unpaid Carers say that their caring responsibilities reduces what exercise they can do and only 16% frequently use leisure facilities.
More than half of unpaid Carers have been less active because they have less time due to their caring responsibilities or are unable to leave the person they care for. However, some 73% of unpaid Carers say that being physically active helps them to feel good about themselves. Some physical activity, such as swimming, walking or dance groups helps unpaid Carers feel connected to others and helps reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation.
Creating and keeping to a routine that works and supports you.
• Make a list of all the things you need to do each day and put them in order of priority. You might find that you do not really need to be doing some of the things on your list at all, and can take some of the pressure off of yourself. Use of technology could help e.g. Alexa. • If some tasks needed to be completed at specific times, such as supporting the person you care for with their medications or dressings, write this in a diary either on paper, electronically or even as post it notes on the fridge door. • Ask a family member, friend or neighbour you can rely on to support you with some tasks. Often people are very happy to help when they are asked. • Remember to check your routine with those near to you to make sure you have not missed anything important. • Whichever way you decide to make your routine, make sure it works for you.
Create an exercise plan that you can build into your routine, and you enjoy.
• When we exercise, our brain releases ‘feel good’ chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve and lift your mood. • Improving your general fitness also helps lift your mood, improves sleep patterns, and distract you from negative thought patterns altogether further reducing anxiety and mental health illness. • If you feel nervous about starting to exercise you could ask a member of your family or friend to join you and help you overcome any anxiety, plus, exercising with others can be fun and motivational as you encourage each other to do more. • Many charities such as Northamptonshire Carers, and local organisations
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