Dinnington: New service launched to help support carers

The package, providing short-term care for individuals and a break for families, is being rolled out at homes across South Yorkshire by Horizon, who own and manage several care homes across the region, including Waterside Grange.

Laura Higginbottom, managing director of Horizon, said: “We are delighted to be launching these new packages offering temporary relief to those who are caring for family members and offering a solution for individuals when they need some additional help and support.”

“We understand that many families take great joy in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home. However, the physical, emotional and financial consequences can sometimes be overwhelming.”

“Respite can provide a break for all concerned and may prove beneficial to the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.”

The number of people providing unpaid care for disabled, sick or elderly relatives and loved ones has risen in the last decade from 5.2 million to 5.8 million in England and Wales.

The greatest rise has been among those providing over 20 hours of care a week, the point at which caring starts to significantly impact on the health and wellbeing of the carer, and their ability to hold down paid employment alongside their caring responsibilities.

“It can be difficult for families, who are needed for round-the-clock care, to plan any time for themselves, but this service is designed to assist them in being able to have a break or just some time out from providing that care,” continued Ms Higginbottom.

“Every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility, that’s over two million people each year, and as these are often family or close friends it is often hard for people to recognise that they need a break.”

“Being a carer can have a huge impact on a families quality of life and by offering respite care in our homes, we hope to be able to provide that much-needed lifeline.”