The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire residents caring for someone with dementia may be entitled to extra funds to help with activities for the person they care for, respite or at-home assistance.
The new Dementia Short Breaks Scheme, developed by Lincolnshire County Council Adult Care and Lincolnshire Carers and Young Carers Partnership, means that eligible carers can receive a direct payment to their bank account to spend on a choice of services and opportunities.
Local carers have been involved in shaping the service, which has been designed to help them feel supported, protect their own health and enable them to continue to care for their loved one.
Richard Collins, head of service for adult care at the county council, said: “A break from your caring role can help you recharge your batteries and be an even more effective carer for your loved one.
“Rather than being prescriptive though, there’s a range of options available so that the support provided meets people’s particular needs.
“A break doesn’t necessarily mean time away from the person you care for, it could be help with basic domestic tasks, or someone to come with you to groups to do some activities together.”
The new scheme has launched for an initial 12-month trial and was a result of the new Joint Dementia Strategy and a recent carers survey consultation, from which it was pledged to help carers of people with dementia to better manage the caring role.
Eligible carers – determined through a carers’ assessment – can apply for funding, and can then decide what type of support would suit their needs.
This may be help at home, things to do together, a day/night sit-in service, pre-bookable respite or a supported holiday.
The application process is a simple three-question form. Contact the carers team on 01522 782224.
