Case Study A - Background Information: Mr & Mrs A live in Hereford, Mr A, a retired chartered engineer has Parkinson’s disease which has affected his mobility and has now developed Lewy Body dementia. Mrs A is the main carer for her husband, she has previously had a stroke, leaving her with left sided weakness and she also suffers from high blood pressure. Concerned about a further deterioration in her health Mrs A’s GP has recommended she explore relaxation techniques and getting extra assistance with her caring role. Mrs A feels unable to leave her husband safely for more than 30 minutes at a time. She experiences difficulties getting out, shopping, maintaining friendships and addressing her own health needs. Mr and Mrs A are ineligible for social care funding and do not feel that regular short visit domiciliary care would be beneficial for them at present. They have declined a community care assessment of Mr A’s needs.
Following a carer’s assessment Mrs A has been referred to the CHWB for ongoing support.
• Mrs A has been put in touch with the Age UK Reaching You Service which provides DBS checked home care support. This offers Mrs A the reassurance of vetted personal and an organisation to oversee the arrangements and invoicing. Support to the viability and sustainability of other third sector organisation.
• Mr and Mrs A have been put in touch with the Mens Sheds Group at Aspire Community Hub which appeals to his engineering skills and need for male company and companionship. His attendance will enable Mrs A to have regular weekly respite.
• Mr A will meet the cost of his attendance at Mens Shed. The CHWB service has provided dementia training to staff and volunteers. The CHWB service provides one personal care support worker to the community hub to enable them to offer their services and activities to those that need a higher level of support and to a wider range of disabilities than previously offered, extending carers respite opportunities.
• Mr A will be attending the CHWB Gents pub lunch and social group (meets 11-3pm). This provides Mrs A with a monthly date when she can arrange an extended visit / trip out with friends.
• Mr A pays his meal, drinks and transport costs.
• Mr and Mrs A have been put in touch with the AgeUK befriending service to arrange a regular visitor to reduce loneliness isolation. Organised and delivered by care support workers, with accessible transport, the gents groups tour the county. Any support required with mobility, medication and personal care assistance can be provided.
• Mrs A is using Crossroads’ not-for-profit care agency for ad-hoc alternative care at £15.50 per hour.
The CHWB service provides regular support at the community hub on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This allows all carers to use the facility on a drop in basis. (after initial support needs assessment). Development work is underway CHWB to provide group relaxation sessions for carers.
• With accessible transport provided and care support on hand Mr and Mrs A will be attending the CHHWB social groups and events. They will be able to meet other families and give and receive peer support.
• The couple will make a contribution towards transport. Social events open to all carers and their families. They do not have to be in contact with social care services. They are the opportunity for take a break from the routine of caring and for other family members to receive information and advice.
Mr A has been attending the community farm. However, due to the deterioration in his health and now needing hands on support with personal care, his attendance was in jeopardy as it is inappropriate for the farm volunteers to provide this higher level of support. Grant funding being sought.