BETTER LIVES
Caring for
the carers
Being a carer can feel like a full-time
job, and very often it is. However,
Ealing Council offers people a flexible
way of arranging their care and support,
including time away from caring duties.
“W
ith direct payments, we
have freedom and more
choice,” said Frederick
Avella, the father of
Henry – who has Down’s Syndrome.
Through ‘direct payments’, the council
gives money directly to local people to
pay for their agreed care needs. Doing it
this way means they have more control
over choosing the services that work
best for them. It suits people who might
want to arrange their care in a more
personalised way, instead of solely being
reliant on services the council offers.
The council’s Ealing Direct service
provides information, advice and
support in planning and monitoring
the arrangements.
‘IT HAS CHANGED HENRY’S LIFE’
Henry, 48, uses his direct payments
to pay for weekends of respite care
so that his parents can have a break.
It also pays for a personal carer for
11 weekends a year, who often takes
him out on day trips. In addition,
Henry spends some of the money on
theatre classes.
Frederick said: “It has changed
Henry’s life. Not only has it given
him satisfaction and self-fulfilment,
he always has something to look
forward to.”
‘MAKES ME THINK ABOUT MY
OWN HEALTH’
With support from the council’s Ealing
Direct service, Julia, 49, has been able
to find some time for herself despite
caring for her mother.
Julia, who lives in Northolt, said:
“My caring duties have stopped me
from working full time and that has had
an impact on me financially and socially.
“The council has been really good.
I had a carer’s assessment because I
was isolated, and I also had potential
health issues.
“My mum goes to a day centre three
times a week. She gets her hair done
on a Monday and she has dinner there
as well. It’s a godsend for her. On those
days I can go to the gym and do what I
want to do. Going to the gym takes my
mind off caring and it makes me think
about myself and my own health.”
Read Henry’s full story at
ealingnewsextra.co.uk/
features/selecting-care and read
Julia’s full story at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/
features/caring-for-the-carers
MORE INFO
If you have care needs,
the Social Care Advice and
Referral Centre can help
you find the best options to
enable you to stay independent:
n Call
020 8825 8000
n Email sscallcentre@ealing,gov.uk
around ealing Summer 2019
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