Advice and Support for Carers in Twickenham and Richmond

The coronavirus pandemic has placed a spotlight on the care sector like never before. Our caregivers have been a pillar of strength for our clients in Sunbury, Richmond, Twickenham and surrounding areas throughout the pandemic, keeping them safe, well cared for at home and preventing them from becoming isolated.

In our corner of London, this has been vitally important, given the large number of cases seen in the capital.

It has been very encouraging to see the nation’s response to our sector. You may remember the weekly Clap for Carers early on in the pandemic and there has never been a greater appreciation for the fantastic work our carers do. The Twickenham and Richmond branch of Right at Home saw a change of ownership during the pandemic, prompting an opportunity for a fresh perspective on our role in the community at this difficult time.

Delivering homecare is an incredibly rewarding job but it also comes with its challenges - never more so than during the pandemic.

Here at Right at Home Twickenham and Richmond, the wellbeing of our caregivers is an absolute priority. We care for our caregivers in the same way they care for our clients.

We place great importance on a contented, supported and well-trained team of caregivers ably supported by caring managers, capable supervisors and organised office staff. That means that our caregivers are well-placed to give individual, high quality care to clients, knowing that their work is valued.

It is important our caregivers have colleagues and managers who they can turn to after an emotional day. As an employer we put in a lot of effort to build a sense of team spirit, with charitable fundraising and regular social activities. We also take time to celebrate successes such as passing professional qualifications and receiving thanks from clients and their families. 

Unfortunately, many family carers do not have the same support system as paid carers and the demands of caring for a loved one full time can be difficult to manage. It is all to easy for family carers to experience exhaustion and isolation despite being committed to doing the very best they can.

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. Carers UK, the national charity for carers, reports that every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility. Having the right support in place for carers can help protect their mental health and wellbeing.

Later in the year, we will be championing Carers’ Week (6 to 12 June), an annual event which aims to put unpaid carers in touch with the right services to provide them with the advice and support they need to support a loved one. A great starting point for information is the Carers Week website which is already filled with useful resources, tips and guidance for family carers.

What is Right at Home doing to support family carers?

For many family carers, from Sunbury to Richmond and everywhere in between, our respite homecare services provide them with peace of mind that their loved one is in safe hands while they take a well-deserved break.

Some clients receive one hour of home respite care per day so that their full-time carer can pop to the shops or walk the dog. For others, we provide a full day of care once a week, giving family carers the opportunity for a whole day to recharge their batteries, away from their caring duties.

Carer’s Allowance

Our online information hub talks clients through some of the financial support available when planning or trying to fund care.

For example, if you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance of up to £67.60 per week (depending on whether the person you care for receives certain other benefits). Importantly, you do not have to be related to or live with the person you care for. Read in more detail and find out how to claim on the Government website.

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.

Local support

As well as support from local councils and health providers, organisations such as Richmond Carers, Richmond Carers Hub and the local branch of AgeUK are valuable sources of support.

If you would like more information on how we can support family carers in Sunbury, Twickenham or Richmond with respite care services, please speak to a member of our office team on 020 3376 3535.

Useful resources

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

Carers UK’s online forum for carers