Help with finding a carer
We are often asked by family members caring for somebody with dementia, how to go about getting help as they are finding it increasingly difficult to cope alone.
Family carers invariably ask whether it might be possible to find a care worker who is Irish and who would understand their relative’s Irish culture.
If there is an Irish voluntary sector organisation in their locality providing support for older people or those with dementia, we are able to put them in touch.
If there is nowhere local, we have no hesitation in recommending the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, AgeUK, Carers UK and many more who can provide excellent information, resources and advice and in some areas activities or advocacy.
Our website also provides a range of culturally sensitive information, and advice as well as reminiscence resources relating to Irish culture, you can browse them HERE.
However if somebody is caring for a person with dementia and they are finding it hard to cope, the starting point is to refer themselves (and the person they are caring for if not already assessed) for a Care and Support Assessment (sometimes called a Care Needs Assessment).
It is best to do this sooner rather than later as it there is currently a long waiting list for assessment. Many people are too embarrassed to ask for help and struggle along until there is a crisis. Irish in Britain reiterate that there is no shame in having to ask for external help.
For further information see below:
Help finding and arranging social care for the elderly | Age UK
Carer's Assessment - Carers UK
If the person with dementia is assessed as having care and support needs, it is appropriate to request an Irish care worker, just as an Asian family might ask for an Asian carer. Sadly in reality, assessors may not think that an Irish person has specific needs and even if they do, they may not be able to provide one as often as is needed. A local Irish organisation may be able to advise on appealing.
It is important to note that care and support are not free for people with an income above £23,250 per year. For those with incomes below £14,250, care is free and there is a sliding scale of costs between those limits.
Sadly, many people with dementia are not considered eligible, despite having considerable needs and/ or their family carers being under unsustainable strain. As such the person or their families may need to consider paying for care privately. There are lots of home care agencies and they have names like help at home, helping hands, home care etc. It may be easier to specify the culture of the care worker and when they visit etc.
Family carers who are struggling may find it helpful to contact the Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Helpline, helpline@dementiauk.org or 0800 888 6678 for practical advice on supporting the person with dementia.
Visit our Cuimhne Carers Project for more resources and advice HERE.
We have created videos on different topics to support carers including advice on choosing a care home, watch the videos HERE.