Doncaster Carers
Who is a Carer?
An Adult Carer is :-
Someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse issues and the support they give impacts on their life
A Young Carer is :-
A child or young person (under the age of 18) who provides regular and ongoing care or emotional support to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances
In Doncaster there are an estimated 32,000 carers and it's likely that at some time in our lives we will all undertake a caring role.
Carers can spend anywhere between an hour a day to 24 hours, seven days a week, in their caring role. Everyone's situation is different.
"I didn't realise I was a carer... I thought I was just a daughter"
I look after my mother who has dementia.
I help her get washed and dressed, I cook her meals and take her to the doctor’s. I manage her money.
I watch her constantly to make sure she is safe.
I look out for activities she might enjoy to keep her stimulated.
I put her to bed at night.
Sometimes I have to admit I can’t do it all on my own. That’s why I made that call.
I care
Do you?
"We didn't realise we were carers... We thought we were just a family"
I looked after my dad and daughter; then I took ill and my husband became the carer.
We all care for each other. If anyone’s down we all help each other and pick each other up.
As a carer you can feel isolated and you are physically and mentally tired.
When I found out there was help, I couldn’t believe it – it was like they were mind readers, always one step ahead, so you never hit rock bottom.
We care
Do you?
"I didn't realise I was a carer... I thought I was just a mum""
I look after my daughter who has Down’s Syndrome.
As well as the usual things a mum has to do I give her extra support to make sure that she is safe, that she can communicate and that other people she comes into contact with understand her needs.
We have medical appointments to attend.
I need to think about her future.
Most of the time we’re fine, but if things go wrong, or I’m tired it’s good to know I’m not alone.
I care
Do you?
"We didn't realise we were carers... We thought we were just a family"
We look after our son who is deaf and has learning difficulties but we are all disabled – so we help and care for each other.
We get help for our son to socialise and take part in activities, as my mobility is not as good these days.
Caring is a big responsibility. We would do anything for our son but sometimes carers need attention too.
It’s nice to know someone is there to help when we need it.
We care
Do you?
Caring can be frustrating. Caring can be rewarding. These feelings — and many, many more — are all normal. Carers can be any age, including children, from any background
There is a variety of support and information for carers available
Do you worry about what would happen to the person you care for if you were in an accident or emergency?
The Carer’s Emergency Contact Scheme can help. The scheme offers peace of mind that the person you care for will be looked after in an emergency.
One thing these webpages can't do is answer every question for every individual situation. But it can direct you to people who are in situations similar to yours.
Two useful organisations funded by Doncaster Council are:
Doncaster Carers Service (for adult carers)
Age UK, 109 Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN2 5BE, tel. 01302 812827. email cmf@ageukdoncaster.org.ukBarnardos - Doncaster Young Carers Project (for young carers)
High standard of services
Doncaster Council aims to provide a high standard of services for carers and the cared-for but we acknowledge that from time to time things aren't always perfect.
You can make a complaint via the Council’s Customer Relations Department by telephone, by email or in writing on the following page:
- Bookmark us:
- What is Social bookmarking?
