New courses to support unpaid Carers of people living with dementia have started in Cumbria.
Organised by Carer support Carlisle and Eden and Dementia Carers Count, the first of a series of five session to be held in Penrith took place last week.
Lead support worker at Carer Support Carlisle and Eden, Sarah Jewett has been working with Lorraine Haining of the Dementia Carers Count, to provide the courses.
Sarah said: “Working with Dementia Carers Count we have develop this training programme specifically for people in our area, to support families who are Unpaid Carers, looking after their family member or friend in their homes.
“The free session are also an opportunity for unpaid carers to tell us how we can help them, and to meet other people living with similar issues.”
In 2021, 2,678 people were diagnosed with Dementia in North Cumbria. However, fewer than three in five people suspected of living with dementia in North Cumbria were given a formal diagnosis, according to data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
Just 57.1 per cent of people thought to have dementia in the NHS North Cumbria CCG area were formally diagnosed in 2021.
Lorraine, a specialist practitioner with Dementia Carers Count said: “We are often told by the people that come on our courses that they feel guilty if they consider their own needs, as they think the person with dementia needs all the attention and care.
“However, we want you to know that caring for yourself is not selfish or a ‘waste of time’. It’s absolutely necessary, for two reasons: You will care better if you take time to recharge your batteries and build your resilience. You are a person too and worthy of care, respect and compassion.”
Mother and daughter, Sue and Sarah Lundar-Smith attended the first of this month’s sessions held at Penrith Cricket Club together.
Sue has been caring for and living with her mother for four years after her arthritis began to get worse and for the past two years, he month has needed more support due to dementia.
Sarah said: “It has been a very useful and interesting session, getting the perspective of other carers and getting to really understanding what my Mum is doing looking after my Gran. Having this better understanding of the support available and knowing what question to ask to access support has been extremely valuable to us.
Sue added: “It has been a really useful session to come to. Though I have been caring for my Mum for four years, I have found out so much more information about the support available, as an Unpaid Carer.”
Belinda Walker is a multiple unpaid carer, looing after her son, mother and father.
Belinda said: “The system is not designed to help support Unpaid Carers, especially if you are caring for more than one person in your family.
“Today’s session has helped me find out more about the support available. I have had to give up my career to become a full-time Unpaid Carer, as the support is not available to help people like me to carry on working and Caring.
“I am meeting with my MP this month to talk about the need for more support for unpaid Carers.”
Places are still available for the next four sessions being held by Carer Support Carlisle and Eden and Dementia Carers Count in Penrith this month – which will be held at Penrith Rugby Club on March 22, 23, 29 and 30 from either 10am to 12noon or 1pm to 3pm.
