Are you an unpaid carer? Do you know someone who is?
Do you (or they) need a wee bit of support and advice to help you along? Visit www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/carers/ for information about the help and support that is available in Fife.
Many people in Fife will care for a relative, friend of neighbour at some point in their life. Some carers need information, advice and support to help them to manage their caring role. There is a range of help available for you, as a carer, and for the person you care for.
When you have to care for another person, it can be a demanding and sometimes a difficult time, so it can benefit to get both professional support and share experiences and ideas with other people in the same situation.
This page lets you know about the support that is available in Fife so you can get what’s right for you, your family and the person or people you care for. More detailed information is available about the support available to carers on the Fife Health & Social Care Partnership website, and from a wide range of voluntary organisations and charities that specifically offer support for carers.
The Fife Health & Social Care Partnership web-site includes details of the practical support that is available to call carers, details of how to access this support, and information about how may be eligible for more tailored support. It also includes links to resources that carers can use to help themselves, as well as links to partner organisations that can offer a personalised assessment of support needs.
We can help you to:
- Prepare an individually tailored carer support plan to help you manage your caring role and meet your personal outcomes
- Prepare an emergency plan in the event you are no longer able to continue with your caring role
- Refer you to specialist organisations who can provide advice and guidance on your caring role
- Advice on respite care so you can take a break from caring
- Arrange for adaptations around the home of the person you care for
- Request an assessment of the care needs for of the person you care for such as for a home carer or meals on wheels
Every carer has the right to an assessment of their needs for support in the same ways as the person they care for does. If you would like more information contact your Social Worker or contact the Fife Carers Centre who offer a wide range of services.
Visit the Fife Health & Social Care Partnership web-site for more information and support for you as a carer.
There is a range of support and some services for local people who need care. This can have the added benefit for the carer, and can help make the caring role easier to cope with.
Adult Placement
We provide family based care in the homes of carers across Fife. You'll live with the family as a member of their family.
Our carers are recruited from the local community and after training, we try our best to match you or your loved one with the best carer for their needs.
There are 45 carers across Fife offering this service and the scheme is one of 16 across Scotland. We can offer you or your loved one long term, short term or day care. We can also offer short respite breaks, so carers can have some free time, and people with a disability can enjoy a change of scene.
Respite Care for Adult Carers
As a carer you may need a break from time to time to help you to recharge your batteries. This can be whether you are caring full or part-time for someone elderly or for a child, in your own home or in their home. Often the person you are caring for will also enjoy a change of scene or seeing a new face.
If an assessment of needs highlights that respite care is required, we can arrange for the person you care for to receive help:
- at home
- in a day centre
- in a residential home
- in a nursing home
- in hospital
We can also offer a direct payment of cash for you to arrange care by a person or organisation of your choice. Respite can be taken in the form of short breaks of an hour or two, one or two days a week or longer periods if necessary. It can be flexible to help you and the person you care for.
In some cases, respite care is free and in others there will be a charge. Residential respite is also available for older people and for children and young people.
Here are just some of the things we can organise to help give you a break:
Home Care
The home care service provides practical support to help you and the person you care for live as independently as possible in your own home. It is available 7 days a week throughout the year and is provided by trained Home Carers.
Meals on Wheels
We can deliver meals to the person you care for through the meals on wheels service. Meals can be delivered hot or frozen. We cater for most diets and medical conditions, for example, vegetarian or diabetic.
Day Services
The person you care for may be able to get day services to enable you to have a break from caring. This could involve:
- a regular visit to a day centre or lunch club
- help to get to and from activities in your community
Telecare
A range of sensors and devices around your home can make life easier.
Information and Advice
You can speak to staff at your local Social Work Office or from the Fife Carers Centre (this takes you to an external website). The Fife Carers Centre provides help and support to unpaid carers of people with all types of illness and disabilities throughout Fife. You don't need a referral - just speak to them directly for advice and support.
Hospice Care
Hospices provide care for terminally ill people and offer support to their carers. This can be both in the hospice and at home. A doctor or hospital consultant will arrange admission to a hospice in your area.
If your needs are not of a medical nature then the Social Work Service can make arrangements for social respite. This will offer your carer further support in managing your care.
Living Well With Dementia
Dementia is a term for various long-term and progressive conditions that affect the brain. These include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Fronto-temporal dementia
- Parkinson’s dementia
- Mixed dementia (people with more than one type of dementia)
- Other rarer types of dementia
While there are similarities experienced by people who have different types of dementia, no two people will experience dementia the same way.
For further information about the types of dementia:
By 2016, all people with dementia who come into contact with Adult Services (Resources) will have access to a high quality, person-centred service provided by skilled social care staff.
The strategy aims to:
- Raise awareness of dementia
- Encourage early diagnosis
- Provide tailored and person-centred support at every stage of the condition
- Ensure staff are skilled and knowledgeable
- Take forward the national and local strategies
For the full strategy see the publication section.