Respite
When you have respite you may just want to relax at home, or maybe get some jobs done around the house. However sometimes it may be beneficial to have someone to talk to about your caring experiences so it may be helpful to go along to a Local Support Group.
Guideposts can offer a sitting service so that you as the carer can go out and about or attend a carer support group meeting. Our dementia specialist support workers can offer to do some activities with the cared for person; music, creative activities or they could take out the person for a social visit to somewhere local. They understand the special needs of people with dementia.
Social services can also offer a respite service to carers. This service can form part of your support package as a carer. You will need to have a carers' assessment undertaken when respite can be discussed. The respite could be offered as a sitting service at home, an opportunity for the person with dementia to go to day care, or an opportunity to have longer term respite in a residential or nursing home; this could be for a week or perhaps longer, so that you could go away on holiday. Contact 01926 410410 and ask for a carers' assessment and about respite options for you. Your respite time is very important, it enables you to continue giving the care you do, accept any offers of help from family and friends too, they will want to help you.
Carer Support Groups
These carers' support groups are not just for carers of people with dementia but also for a range of mental health and learning disabilities. You can contact them directly and find out what they can offer.
Guideposts' Carer Support Groups
These run throughout Warwickshire offering sociable and friendly group meetings. Contact 0845 600 9980 for information about groups local to you.
Bedworth Carers
The Bedworth Carers meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Citizen's Advice Bureau. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact Will Roe on 02476 491383 or Gordon Nash on 02476 758200 for more details.
Rugby Carers
This group meets on Wednesdays at various venues for meals and mutual support. For details and meeting times contact Jenny Hicks on 01788 543180 or email Rugby Carers Group.
Rethink Support Group
For information about local meetings call 01827 715730 or email Rethink-Rugby Mental Health Carers' Support Group.
Stockingford Carers
The Stockingford Carers meet up on the first Thursday of the month at St. Paul's Parish Centre, Church Road, Stockingford. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact Muriel Bromage 02476 392708.
Alzheimer's Cafes
These are open to people at various venues across the county. Contact the Warwickshire branch for information 01926 888899.
Waverley Carers
Meet at Waverley Day Centre, Kenilworth on Saturday mornings. Contact Rosemary on 01926 858433 for more information.
Phoenix Post Diagnosis Support Group
Phoenix works with carers and people with dementia who live in the north of Warwickshire. It provides practical support which includes respite and emotional support for carers and people with dementia. To contact the group telephone 07989 614749 or email info@phoenixforyou.org.uk.
Asian Phoenix - Supporting People with Dementia and their Carers
Asian Phoenix works with carers and people with dementia who live in the north of Warwickshire. It provides practical support which includes respite and emotional support for carers and people with dementia. To contact the group telephone 02476 374434 or e-mail elsy1412@yahoo.co.uk
Guideposts Trust - Carer Support Service
Guideposts can offer an invaluable support service for all carers. Trained and highly experienced support workers can come along to your home and discuss any concerns you have regarding your role as a carer. They can support you in accessing funding, making an appeal against a funding decision or offer emotional support at a difficult time. This service covers the whole of Warwickshire, to find out more telephone 0845 600 666.
Further Information
Carers UK can offer information relating to carers' rights at work, financial assistance to carers, safety in the home and how to assess your needs as a carer. Includes a forum.
Further national organisations which could be supportive to carers.
