See also Further Information in Carers section.
Adapted from Maria Meyer's The Comfort of Home for Parkinson Disease: A Guide for Caregivers, “Caring in the Comfort of HomeTM: a Guide for Carers" has been "translated" for the UK by the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) made possible through educational grants provided by Pfizer, Solvay, GE Healthcare and Britannia Pharmaceuticals.
For most people, there is no place like home. But every year hundreds of thousands of people affected by illness and disability face the heart-breaking situation that they can no longer manage to look after themselves. Some are elderly, some have chronic disease but for whatever reason they can only remain in their own home if they have someone to help care for them. Although the Social Services can provide help with care, unpaid carers (family and friends) are a vital support - their value to the individual is priceless; their value to society in the UK has been estimated at £87 billion each year. Without a carer the alternative for many may be a move to residential or nursing homes. The physical and emotional demands on carers are huge; many feel lost, alone, frustrated and uncertain. Although the government has launched a National Strategy for carers, many still feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn to for practical advice and help.
Se also Caring in the Comfort of Home
Early in 1998, the National Parkinson Foundation Board of Directors appointed an Education Task Force, whose primary charge was to create innovative educational materials to meet the needs of patients and families living with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's Disease: Coping and Caring is the final addition in a series of six comprehensive manuals.
Website:www.carers.net.nz
Useful advice and links to national sources of support, but also general advise from NZCareCoach on caring for yourself and sections for young carers and carer support groups.
Carers New Zealand
Postal
PO Box 133
Mangonui, Far North 0442
New Zealand
Email: info@carers.net.nz
Website: www.carersuk.org
Carers UK is an organisation of carers aimed at providing a voice for carers.
20-25 Glasshouse Yard
London
EC1A 4JT
United Kingdom
To get advice or support:
CarersLine Freephone 0808 808 7777 (UK only)
Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 8818
Fax: +44 (0)20 7490 8824
Email: info@carersuk.org
Website: www.carers.gov.uk
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/carers
Directgov is the Government portal with information about disability rights and support in the UK.
This website is aimed at professionals who work with carers. If you are a carers lead or other health and social care professional working with carers you will find the information on this site of interest. The site contains Government guidance and regulations affecting carers and details of the Carers Grant.
Website: www.crossroads.org.uk
Crossroads Association is the national charity supporting all Crossroads schemes in England and Wales. The Crossroads schemes in the network provide a range of services that are designed to provide sensitive and understanding support to carers of all ages and those they care for.
Crossroads promotes, offers, supports and delivers high quality service for carers and people with care needs.
Crossroads Association
10 Regent Place
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2PN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)845 450 0350
Fax: +44 (0)845 450 6556
Website: www.eurocarers.org
Eurocarers, European Association Working for Carers, seeks to represent and act on behalf of all informal carers, irrespective of their age or the particular health need of the person they are caring for. It's aims are philanthropic, educational and scientific pursuits with regard to the representation of carers.
Helen Lear
Eurocarers Administrator
C/- Carers UK
Ruth Pitter House
20-25 Glasshouse Yard
London
EC1A 4JT
United Kingdom
Email: helen.lear@eurocarers.org
