Adult social care worker puts unpaid carer’s mental and physical health first

70 per cent of carers report a long-term physical or mental health condition, disability or illness, compared to 50 per cent of non-carers, so it’s entirely fitting that this year’s Carers Week is centred around ‘Caring About Equality’.

Unpaid carers often take part-time hours or give up their jobs completely so that they can care for someone, often disregarding their own needs.

Their physical and mental wellbeing is vital, which is why Focus is currently providing support to one of our many dedicated local unpaid carers, enabling them to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their own health and wellbeing.

The carer is providing extensive assistance to a close family member. Due to a sudden illness, the cared-for person has transitioned from being fully independent to requiring daily and consistent support. They can no longer independently wash, dress, prepare meals, or maintain their own home.

The carer was addressing all of these needs and offering financial support when they were referred to the Focus Single Point of Access (SPA).

They expressed their desire to continue supporting and caring for their relative but acknowledged their own health concerns and recognised that they could not sustain their caregiving role without additional support. They shared with their adult social worker that exercise was essential for their own health and wellbeing and felt that being able to exercise would help them manage their caregiving responsibilities.

Following an independent assessment of both the cared-for person and the carer, a direct payment was arranged to enable the cared-for person to hire a Personal Assistant for a specified number of hours each week. The carer also received a one-off Carers Direct Payment to support the purchase of a gym membership, allowing them to continue exercising and maintain their physical and mental wellbeing.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader for North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “This case demonstrates the importance of health and wellbeing for our unpaid carers. By supporting carers to prioritise their own physical and mental health, carers are better equipped to sustain their caring roles. The support provided by Focus has enabled this carer to maintain a more balanced and healthier lifestyle, while continuing the vital role they are undertaking.”

Social work for adults is delivered across three community interest companies commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB). Focus, Care Plus Group and Navigo employ nearly 2,000 people. Locally, there are 145 social workers for adults across statutory, voluntary and community services.

Focus social workers give advice and guidance, assess people’s needs, arrange for services to meet their eligible needs, periodically review each individual’s needs and adjust support plans and services accordingly.

Around 14,000 people across North East Lincolnshire care for a loved one, according to the most recent Census in 2021. The most recent Census 2021 found that there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK and that 1.7 million people in the UK are providing 50 or more hours of care per week.

Carers Week, an annual campaign run by Carers UK, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, recognising the outstanding contribution they make to their families, friends and communities.

This year, the theme ‘Caring About Equality' is highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, and poor mental and physical health. Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on the carer’s life, both day-to-day and long-term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school and work.