Carers
A carer can be anybody, a husband, a wife, a son, daughter, etc and support for them as well as the person with Parkinson’s is essential. Details of services that can provide support have been listed here along with contact details. If you would like more support or information please contact one of the organisations described, Vicky Queen, PDNS or your GP.
Carers Together Southampton
|
|
|
|
DO YOU NEED HELP, SUPPORT OR INFORMATION? |
Available from Carers together and through Vicky Queen, PDNS is a Carers information pack. It includes information from a number of sources gathered together in one pack to help you, as a carer, find your way through the mass of paperwork and information.
It includes a checklist of what is available on request.
Carers Together also have a Carers Active Listening Line available from 9am to 11pm, CALL - 08000 3 23456
The office is usually open from 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. Telephone: 01794 519495 at other times, please leave your telephone number on the answering machine.
We will respond as soon as possible.
Southampton Parkinson’s Disease Self Management Programme
This is an educational 7 week programme coordinated by Vicky Queen, PDNS in Southampton and aims to provide information and support to people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their carers/families. There are further details about this programme on the resources page of the website, or you can contact Vicky on 02380 296214 or 02380 296222 or email Vicky.queen@nhs.net
Carers Questions and Answers
Carers Assessment
Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, carers who provide a regular and substantial amount of care for someone have the right to an assessment of their needs as a carer.
If there is more than one carer providing regular care in your household, you are both entitled to an assessment.
If you would like to request an assessment contact your GP, Vicky Queen and they will refer you to social services who carry out the assessments.
Direct Payments
Most people who get social services support such as carers at home have a right to direct payments.
Direct payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to individuals who have been assessed as needing services, such as a carer to help them get showered etc.
Direct payments mean you can choose who you pay to provide your care. If you would like more information about this contact
Employment
The Employment Act 2002 gives working parents of disabled children under 18 the right to request flexible working arrangements. Since 6 April 2007, you also have a statutory right to ask your employer for flexible working if you are caring for an adult who is a relative or lives at the same address as you.
Carers also have the right to take (unpaid) time off work for dependants in cases of emergency.
Returning to work after being a carer may have an impact on any entitlements and benefits you receive as a carer. The amount of hours you do, how much you earn and your savings will be taken into consideration.
My Recommendations of Helpful Books for Carers, by Vicky Queen, Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist.
Lucky Man: A Memoir (Paperback)
by Michael J. Fox
Daily Telegraph" Parkinson's Disease: A Guide to Treatments, Therapies and Controlling Symptoms (Paperback)
by David A. Grimes
Parkinson's: The 'at Your Fingertips' Guide (Paperback)
by Adrian Williams, Bridget McCall, Michele Clarke, Linda Moore
Parkinson's Disease - the Way Forward!: An Integrated Approach Including Drugs, Surgery, Nutrition, Bowel and Muscle Function, Self Esteem, Sexuality, Stress Control and Carers (Paperback) by Leslie Findley (Foreword), Geoffrey Leader , Lucille Leader, Arnold Rossi, Lia Rossi Prosperi, Jonathan Phillips