Anthea is a seventy four year old woman caring for her seventy five year old husband Vic who has Chronic Kidney disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis and poor mobility.

Vic requires dialysis three times a week. He also sleeps downstairs at night as he is so restless. This can be difficult for Anthea when Vic requires support throughout the night. This has placed more responsibility and demands on Anthea.

Anthea is physically and mentally tired. Vic gets down and feels sad a lot of the time due to his health condition.

Intervention

Anthea had a discussion with DCA Support Worker about Vic's physical and mental health issues and the challenges involved with the management of these. The offer of reassurance through one to one discussions whenever needed which will allow Anthea to get things off her chest, to release some of the stresses that may be building up was greatfully recieved. Anthea was signposted to support from DCA’s befriending service which would offer the carer someone to air their troubles and grievances to. Also a referral to DCC for an application for a carer’s emergency card which offers a little assurance to carer.

Anthea has also applied for a Personal Budget which would help fund a break away in order to offer them some respite from their caring role. Anthea wishes to spend some time with family that they have not seen for a number of months.

Outcomes Achieved

Derbyshire carer’s offers have given Anthea a safety net and the reassurance that someone is there with them. Anthea now knows that they are not on their own, that someone is there if the situation alters in any way. Befriending service is to encourage Anthea to discuss their struggles at length and maybe move forward to receive further counselling.

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