Maxine is a carer for both of her parents. They have been diagnosed with vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia, and have additional health conditions that affect their mobility, their ability to maintain the home, and engagement with the community.

Maxine also provides a supportive role for two grandchildren, making them breakfast and taking them to and from school.

Maxine was supporting her parents with most aspects of their day to day needs and was visiting them numerous times during the week, as well being in contact by telephone at all times.

THINGS WE DID:

A DCA support worker helped Maxine apply for a personal budget, which she has used to pay for a gym membership.

DCA support worker also applied for an emergency carers card for Maxine.

Maxine also expressed that the Carers Assessment was a form of intervention and that through the assessment she has realised how stressed she was and put additional support into place after the conversation we had.

HOW IT HELPED:

Maxine realised how stressed she was and that she need to do something about it.

Maxine has employed a carer to help and support her parents for 4 hours a week, with the intention of them building a relationship and the paid carer taking over the cleaning and increase her care role as their needs increase.

Maxine is managing to attend the gym at least once a week which creates some time and space for herself, and allows her to stop thinking about everything else.

Maxine has expressed her appreciation in the role DCA plays – ‘I would feel very alone if I didn’t know that you and the rest of the team were there if needed’.

Get the latest news and information for Carers – sign up to our newsletter

Newsletter Sign Up