Respite - Caring for Carers
When the person you care for has respite care, you may just want to relax at home, or maybe get some jobs done around the house. However sometimes it may be beneficial to have someone to talk to about your caring experiences, e.g. at a Support Group (see below), or it might be nice to go away for a break and be looked after yourself, e.g. The Kiloran Trust - details at the end of this section.
Relief to Carers Service
The Relief to Carers Service (registered with CSCI for
domiciliary support), is part of Oxfordshire County Council Social & Community
Services. Trained care staff provide support to people who would be
at risk if left on their own for more than a short period of time, to
allow carer/s to have a break.
A few hours can be allocated each week to enable the carer to take a break (average
is 3 hours per week). Where possible Relief to Carers try to allocate the same
care assistant at each visit, in order to provide continuity. Occasional longer
or overnight breaks may also be available.
Charges for the Relief to Carers service depend on the financial circumstances
of the person being cared for; they will be financially assessed.
To make a referral please telephone the Access
Team on 0845 050 7666
For further information contact:
Relief to Carers Service for Adults
Social & Community Services
Mount House, Church Green,
WITNEY
OX28 4AZ
Office
9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday
9.00am to 4.00pm, Friday
Tel.: 01993 706392
Fax: 01993 894340
Support Groups
Going to a carers support group may not be the first thing that springs to mind when respite is mentioned, but sometimes being with other people who understand your situation can really provide a chance to unwind.
A number of support groups exist, in and around Oxfordshire, that enable carers and family members of people with dementia to meet together. Groups may also have programmes which include speakers and/or social events.
In the list below you will find details of carers support groups in Oxfordshire for those specifically caring for someone with dementia. Further details of programmes and activities are available from the contacts shown.
| Where | When | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Abingdon Abingdon Community Hospital, Marcham Rd |
2nd & 4th Thursdays each month 1.30 to 4.00pm | Sue 07813 627091 Sarah 01235 205404 |
| Banbury Carers Centre, 27 Horsefair |
1st & 3rd Fridays each month 10.30 to noon | Frances 01295 811144 |
| Bicester Julier Centre, Coker Close |
2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month 10.30 to noon |
Judy 01295 264545 Maggie 0771 611041 David 01865 455816 |
| Chipping Norton ** The Fox Hotel, Market Place, Chipping Norton |
2nd and 4th Mondays of month 10.30 to noon | Frances 01295 811144 |
| Cowley * Manzil Resource Centre, Cowley Road |
Most Friday mornings 10.30 to noon | David 01865 455816 Stella 07796 441203 |
| Didcot * Ridgeway Day Hospital, 99 Wantage Road |
1st Thursday of month noon to 1.30pm | Brenda 01865 455816 Stella 07796 441203 |
| Henley * Christ Church Centre, Reading Road |
3rd Wednesday of month 2.00 to 4.00pm | Margreet 01491 576503 Tom 01491 637453 |
| Thame * Wykeham Park D.H., East Street |
1st Wednesday of month 1.00 to 3.00pm | Maggie 07716 11041 Brenda 01865 455816 |
| Wantage
The Health Centre, Mably Way |
Fortnightly on Fridays from 07.11.08 1.30 to 3.30pm 2009: First meeting 16th January and fortnightly thereafter |
Sue 07833 952514 Alison 01235 810575 |
| Wheatley* United Reformed Church Hall, Crown Square, Wheatley, Oxford |
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month |
Liz or Stella 01865 876508 |
Witney * |
1st and 3rd Mondays each month |
Linda 01993 202100 |
| Woodcote Community Centre, Woodcote |
2nd Wednesday of month 2.00 to 4.00pm | Mary or Rory 01491 637469 |
* Note 1: It may be possible at these locations to arrange for the person with dementia to be cared for whilst carers attend the group.
** Note 2: This group is for people with any form of dementia AND those who care for someone with dementia.
Note 3: Friends and family of younger people with dementia are welcome at any of the support groups above, but can also access The Clive Project Exchange. Exchange meetings offer an informal and friendly opportunity to share experiences and expertise with others. Venues vary; for the current programme please contact:
Sue Hosty
Tel.:
01865 821699
Mobile: 07813 654077
Email: [email protected], or
Diana Letchford
Tel.: 01993 891955
Email: [email protected], or
Anna Eden
One to One Co-ordinator
The Clive Project
Tel.: 01865 794311
Crossroads - "Caring for Carers"
Crossroads Oxfordshire provides a service to support the person with care needs and their carers. A Carer Support Worker talks to the carer to find out what support is required and when, in order to give the carer some time to themselves. Trained care workers then give personal / social / domestic care at home. This can vary from a one hour visit to live in care, and is tailored to meet the individual needs of the carer and the cared for person.
Crossroads take private referrals as well as through GPs, CPNs, Care Managers, etc.
Contact details:
Crossroads Oxfordshire
3 Hurst Street
OXFORD
OX4 1EZ
Office open:
8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Tel.: 01865 260280
Fax: 01865 260290
Emergency referrals out of hours and w/e: 07831 530947
Email: [email protected]
Web.: www.crossroads.org.uk
The Clive Project
The Clive Project provides active individual support sessions for people under 65 years of age with dementia, through their One-to-One service. This service provides a regular break for carers, by providing trained support workers to be with the younger person with dementia.
The Clive Project has an open referral policy, so anyone can make contact.
Contact details:
The Clive Project
PO Box 315
WITNEY
OX28 1ZN
Tel.: 01993 776295
Email: [email protected]
Web.: www.thecliveproject.org.uk
Kiloran Trust - "Respite for Carers"
The Kiloran Trust have a large welcoming house in west London, in which full time carers at home can enjoy a holiday / supportive break (from Monday to Saturday).
The house has 3 en-suite bedrooms. Food is home-made and all meals are provided. You can have breakfast at any time you like, giving you the chance for a long undisturbed lie in. A snack lunch is available to those who are in and the main meal is in the evening. If you have special dietary needs then these can be catered for. You will have your own front door key and will be free to come and go as you like.
You can spend your time doing as you want - sightseeing, resting, shopping, walking in the parks or along the river, seeing friends, going to a west end show, gallery etc. If your idea of a perfect break is to take it really easy in comfort, then you can just enjoy the peace of the house, being cooked and cared for. Good listening is always available - some carers need to unburden and talk about the stresses they are under at home. This is always welcome.
More information is available on The Kiloran Trust website.
Contact details:
Tel.: 0207 602 7404
Fax: 0207 602 3303
Email: [email protected]
Web.: www.kilorantrust.org.uk
Further Information
For more information about support that is available to carers, please see our main section Support for Carers & Family Members.
