Online Resources
How Can We Help?
We have a range of services specifically tailored to supporting those over 50 to live well, independently and enhance their lives.
Get started by downloading the Carers Checklist.
What help is there for you?
Please note, these resources are tailored around those caring for Isle of Wight residents over the age of 50. The caregivers themselves do not need to be over 50 to get support.
However, if you are a young carer some of our services may not be appropriate for you. We recommend seeking support from Young Carers.
Balancing Responsibilities: How can you be supported when working and caring for someone.
Caregivers often struggle to balance caregiving responsibilities with their own personal and professional commitments. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress.
Flexible Working
Flexible working can help support you when juggling responsibilities around care giving. If you've been working for your employer for six months, you have the right to request flexible working arrangements to help you fulfill your responsibilities.
Click here for a GOV resource about flexible working.
Time Off In An Emergency
By law, you have the right to time off in an emergency when it involves someone who's dependent on you – for example, your partner, your parent, or your child.
This may help you in these cases:
- when your normal care arrangements have been cancelled or changed
- if the person you care for dies, is ill, or has an accident
- when you need time off to organise long-term arrangements for the person you care for.
Find out more about this: www.acas.org.uk/time-off-for-dependants
Local Support: Support for carers on the Isle of Wight
Watching a parent's health decline or dealing with a parent who has a chronic illness can take an emotional toll on the caregiver. They may experience feelings of sadness, guilt, or frustration.
Carers IW:
Carers IW support adult unpaid carers of other adults across the Isle of Wight. They can provide training, support groups, mental health drop-ins, self care cafes and more.
Visit thier website today: www.carersiw.org.uk
Carers Assessment
Completeing the online carers assessment through the Isle of Wight Council can also help you to access the support you need.
Click here to do your assessment.
Your GP
If being a caregiver feels overwhelming and is affecting you mental or physical health, you can also seek help from your GP. Talk to them about how you are feeling and they will be able to offer you advice and if required refer you to specialist support.
Physical Demands: Have you considered restbite care?
Providing care for an aging parent, such as assisting with mobility, personal hygiene, or medication management, can be physically demanding and exhausting. Caregivers may struggle to find time for themselves, leading to feelings of isolation and burnout. They may have limited time for social activities, hobbies, or self-care.
It's important to take a break from care if you need one. This is known as respite care.
Funding
Speak to Adult Social Care to discuss whether funding is avaliable for you to cover this care. You may be able to have support to cover the cost of a carer to support your loved one in the home. You may also be able to get funding to help with the costs of daily restbite care at a care home.
Find out more about this on the Isle of Wight Council's Adult Social Care page. Click here.
Just About You - Age UK Isle of Wight's Home Help Service (JAY)
Our JAY service can help support you with daily tasks and provide you restbite during our regular visitis. This can allow you the freedom to go out for a short period whilst a support worker helps with housework, gardening or just provides company and a cup of tea.
This service can be accessed by anyone 18+ on the Isle of Wight and does not only support those who are 50+.
This is a paid for service that supports Age UK Isle of Wight. We cannot provide medication handelling or personal care.
Other Care Providers:
In some cases, medication and personal care may be required. Please see the most up to date Care Directory by clicking here.
Finances: Are you getting the finacial support you are entitled to?
The cost of caregiving, including medical expenses, home modifications, and lost income due to caregiving responsibilities, can put a strain on the caregiver's finances.
Have you checked that you and you're getting the benefits you are entitiled to?
Often, people aren't aware of the benefits they are eligible for.
Click here to use Age UK's online benefit checker.
If you're still not sure, call us today to discuss our Welfare Benefit Advice service. We can be reached at (01983) 525282.
Are you getting carers allowence?
Do you provide care and support to a loved one who would struggle without your help? You may be eligible for Carer's Allowance, the primary welfare benefit for carers. The Carer's Allowance rate is £81.90 per week.
Find out more about eligibility on the GOV website: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility
Dementia: Are you caring for someone with memory issues or a Dementia diagnosis?
Dementia Care Navigators (also known as Older Person's Mental Health Navigators)
Our Dementia Care Navigators can help to support the family, even before Dementia diagnosis.They can help to improve your quality of life and maintain independence,
They can provide advice and support to access local resources and groups for those with Dementia.
This service is free to access. Find out more by clicking here.
Advice for Carers: Downloadable Booklet
Practical and emotional help when you’re looking after someone. This is an Age UK National resource - you should contact your local, independent Age UK branch for support. Age UK Isle of Wight: (01983) 525282.