Caring for Family Carers in Guildford and Farnham

The coronavirus pandemic has cast a spotlight on the care sector like never before. Our caregivers have played an active role in the community since March 2020, keeping clients safe and well cared for at home.

It has been very encouraging to see the nation’s response to our sector - cast your mind back to the weekly Clap for Carers earlier in the pandemic and consider the attention of the mass and local media on the tremendous work our carers do. At Right at Home GF, we were thrilled to have that work recognised in industry awards when we won the Business of the Year at the Right at Home Celebration Awards last year.

Delivering homecare is an incredibly rewarding job but there is no doubt that it comes with its challenges and this has never been more prevalent than during the pandemic. Here at Right at Home GF, the wellbeing of our caregivers is an absolute priority. We care for our caregivers in the same way they care for our clients. We know that when our staff are properly supported they are better able to provide excellent care and keep our clients safe and well. We also know that they are more likely to want to go the extra mile for their clients, to want to stay working for us and be better motivated.

We provide training and professional development to our caregivers from Day 1 in the job and pair our new joiners with an experienced member of staff while they learn the role. We also work hard to build a team spirit through social events and supporting the fundraising activities that most appeal to our staff.

A tightknit staff group who look out for each other helps create a natural support network. More formally, all our caregivers are supported by their supervisors and are encouraged to share concerns or difficulties in regular one-to-one and team sessions.

Unfortunately, many family carers do not have the same support system as our paid caregivers and the demands of caring for a loved one full time can be difficult to manage.

You may have become a full time family carer gradually over a number years or you may be a young carer who has taken on this role suddenly. Without the right support in place, the role can have a big impact on your own mental health and wellbeing.

How we support family carers in Guildford and Farnham

Here at Right at Home GF, we run several social and support groups that are open to all, not just our clients. In particular, our support for people living with dementia has proved a lifeline to carers and their loved ones. Our Sunflower Cafes take place each week in Guildford and Farnham, offering great company, fun activities and plenty of tea and biscuits. There you will also find our own caregivers on hand to share information and a listening ear. 

The Sunflower Cafes are complemented by Singing for the Mind in Fleet - a weekly social singing session - and Love to Move in Farnham, a weekly gentle exercise class.

Also in Farnham, at Inclusive Cricket we welcome people over 50 of all abilities for a gentle game of indoor cricket. All these activities are open to the general public with no need to book and for just a few pounds to cover the running costs.

Respite care

For many family carers, our respite homecare services provide them with peace of mind that their loved one is in safe hands whilst they take a well-deserved break. For some clients, we provide one hour of home respite care per day while their full-time Carer walks the family dog or pops to the shops. For others, we provide a full day of care once a week, so family carers can have a complete day to recharge their batteries, away from caring duties.

We recognise the importance of a friendly and trusted visitor for clients who may need support with daily activities but for whom company and social interaction is also vital. Our companionship care helps share the load to give family carers peace of mind and eases the pressure on just one or two individuals.

Carer’s Allowance

If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. You could get £67.60 per week, although this depends on whether the person you care for receives a benefit such as Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, for example. It is important to note that you do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for. Read more about Carer’s Allowance and how to claim this on the Government website.

How is Carer’s Allowance paid?

If you are eligible for Carer’s Allowance, you can choose to be paid every four weeks, or weekly in advance. It will be paid into an account, for example your bank account.

What other Carer discounts or benefits am I entitled to?

For every week that you receive Carer’s Allowance, you will automatically get National Insurance credits. You may also be able to apply for other things like a Council Tax Reduction. Take a look at the Government’s website for full details on what discounts or benefits are available for Carers.

If you would like more information on how we can support you or a family carer in Farnham, Guildford, Fleet, Farnborough or Aldershot with respite or other care services, please speak to a member of our office team on 01252 783426.

Other support for carers

Carers Trust - a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland providing advice and guidance for Carers

Carers UK’s online forum for Carers