Carers at Christmas
Hospital staff celebrate carers’ excellent work
Carers from the Clacton area who look after elderly relatives with mental health issues have had their work celebrated by hospital staff.
More than 100 carers and service users, who use the day hospital, were invited to the Freeland Court for a festive lunch, coffee and mince pies as a thank you from staff.
“Our Carers at Christmas event was designed to celebrate the fantastic work these people do. These remarkable, untrained individuals care for loved ones suffering from debilitating illnesses without praise or thanks and we wanted to put that right,” said Staff Nurse Leigh Clark who organised the event.
“We wanted to show the carers how much we appreciate their efforts and thought giving them a bit of time to relax was a good way to do it. Showing carers there is somewhere they can go to for advice and support is important as many of them can feel isolated and emotionally drained, especially at this time of the year,” she added.
Staff – who run two support groups for the carers of people referred to the day hospital by GPs – had collected information about other local organisations offering services to older people to give to the carers. “We wanted to know from them which services they found useful so we could have details for newer carers.”
Sue Muir, who cares for her father Kenneth, said she found the event helpful. “It allowed me to meet other carers in a similar position and I now know I have somewhere to go to if I need extra support.”
And Terri Whittingham, who looked after her mother, said sharing experiences with other carers during support group sessions had helped her go through a tough time with her mum.
“Long-time carers had great tips for solving problems and overcoming the shocking things that can happen when a person begins to go downhill mentally.
“And being invited to the Carers at Christmas event was really good. It gave me the chance to catch up with people in a social atmosphere and to share experiences with like-minded people.”
Freeland Court Team Manger Andrew Butcher praised the event saying it afforded not only the chance for carers to meet others in a similar situation, but gave the chance for people to exchange useful information about the variety of services and benefits on offer to older people.
“The carer support groups provide vital assistance to people caring for relatives. It is a two-way street because the staff learn about their clients from the carers which can make their job easier too,” he added.
Staff Nurse Leigh said the Day Hospital along with the Tendring Alzheimer’s Society will run an educational group for carers of older people with dementia in January which will offer insight into the practicalities caring.
Ends.
For further information contact:
Carol Geere
Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 01245 546446
Email: carol.geere@nepft.nhs.uk
