Support for Carers
Due to the coronavirus and our responsibility to our patients, staff and volunteers, St Catherine’s Hospice has taken the precautionary step of cancelling all group activities until further notice. We appreciate your understanding.
During this difficult and uncertain time, we wanted to share some useful resources for those who are caring for someone during the coronavirus pandemic.
We also wanted to share with you some local carer organisations that are offering support and advice during this period:
West Sussex Carer Support
Helpline and online support for carers with a main focus on:
Emotional support
Carer Contingency Planning
Carers Assessments
Practical guidance and information (including equipment and grants)
https://www.carerssupport.org.uk/
info@carerssupport.org.uk
0300 028 8888
Surrey Action for Carers
Helpline and online support for carers offering:
One-to-one phone support instead of home visits
An extended Carer Information Centre, with more staff able to take your questions by phone and email
Increased information via the website
https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk
0303 040 1234
Crossroads Surrey and Crossroads Sussex
Crossroads Care has suspended service but are still providing remote support, checking in service, shopping and prescription collection and even dog walking for their clients.
https://crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/
01372 869970
http://www.crossroadscare-sc.org
01903 790270
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If you’re looking after someone who is unwell or have been caring for someone who has since died, you may find you’d like a little support of your own. We can help give you strength to face the challenges ahead.
‘Your Time’ Carer Support Group – Horsham
Are you caring for someone towards the end of their life? This is a drop in support group for informal carers. The person you are caring for may or may not have been referred to St Catherine’s Hospice. Whether you are living with the person you are caring for, or visiting them in their home or a care home, you are most welcome at this support group.
Offering advice and guidance, a listening ear and support. A chance to meet others in a similar situation.
Monthly on Monday afternoons, 2.30pm – 4pm
20 January – Carer Support West Sussex will be joining us to talk about the services and support they offer carers.
17 February – ‘Ask a nurse’ we will be joined by a nurse from our community team and ward, to talk about their role and answer your questions about the care they provide
16 March – Our Welfare advisor will be coming along to talk about issues such as ‘how to apply for a blue disabled badge’ to issues around benefits and pensions. Join us with your questions for her.
20 April – TBC
18 May – TBC
22 June – TBC
Contact Esther Walker 01293 447333
Emotional Support
Caring for someone who has a life limiting illness can leave you feeling isolated and stressed or suffering health problems of your own. Our team of counsellors and support visitors are here to support you during end of life care and long after a bereavement, giving you the chance to be heard, the time to talk and an opportunity to cry. We offer individual counselling sessions and drop-in groups and can arrange to see you at the hospice or in the comfort of your own home. For more information please ask any member of staff or call 01293 447343.
Support with Finances
Money can be a worry when you’re caring for someone who has a life limiting illness, especially if you are unable to work or have had to reduce your hours. Our Welfare Advisor can give advice about a range of financial and practical issues, for example advice on benefits, grants, disabled parking badges, making wills and appointing a lasting power of attorney. If you would like to speak to our Welfare Advisor please ask any member of our team or call 01293 447345.
Spiritual Care
When people close to you become ill, this can raise questions and fears of a spiritual nature; perhaps challenging your sense of meaning, purpose and value, or your priorities and beliefs. Our Spiritual Care Team is available to anyone who might appreciate the company of someone who can listen and will help you explore any difficult questions that you may have. If you would like more information about how to access this support, please call 01293 447343 and ask to speak to our Spiritual Care Lead.
Practical Advice and Support
Our Clinical Team is available to answer any questions you might have, from medication to how to get someone out of the bath safely. We can also give you nutrition and exercise advice and help you manage tiredness, and put you in touch with many other organisations out there to help you too.
You might also like to read our Advice for carers booklet too.