Since Ken’s wife passed away, he has been on a mission to inform the ‘forgotten army of carers’ on how to avoid the hassles and obstacles that they may encounter as they begin their caring journey.
Ken was a carer for his wife Dorothy, who was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia for many years, before she sadly passed away in 2022. Since losing his wife, Ken has been educating other carers in as many ways as possible, he has produced Ken’s Top Tip’s, a leaflet full of practical advice on caring for a loved one, he is a Dementia Friend and is involved in several wellbeing and carers meetings and groups.
One of Ken’s pieces of advice, in his leaflet is ‘go for walks, shopping, activities – try something new there are lots of excellent sessions which are really supportive to those living with dementia. They are also a good support for you.’
As an ongoing carer for her 21-year-old son, Karen has gone down a different, but equally important path of joining the council’s Adult Social Care engagement panel, a group of volunteers who support the department in the co-production of services with residents, carers and people who draw on those services.
Carers is an area that is regularly on the panel’s agenda, and they have supported improvements around the information available to support carers on the council's website, supported a script for an information video and are currently actively involved in engagement on the new draft strategy and support service.
When asked what motivated Karen to join the panel she said, ‘A lot of people if caring for loved ones, don't class themselves as 'a carer' they’re just helping and supporting, but it's stressful, and draining and doesn’t stop, its 24/7’.
Karen is one of many carers’ voices on the engagement panel and ensures that their voices are heard when services and information are being reviewed.
If you are a carer and need some support, visit https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/looking-after-someone/find-someone-to-talk-to-about-caring or call 01858 468 543 during office hours Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm) or email: maureen@supportforcarers.org
If you would like to find out more about our adult social care engagement panel, visit https://www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/asc/engagement-advisory-panel.