For this Big Leeds Chat, we headed to Carers Leeds’ support group for people looking after someone living with dementia.
What did people say at the Dementia Carer Support Group?
The members of the support group said that the last several months had been “horrible”. They had missed face-to-face contact, and they said they had been left feeling “helpless” or “worthless” because there had not been enough support for carers. The group’s members would like to feel more valued for the work they do keeping their loved ones safe, and they would love to be able to place more trust in services (both NHS and Council-based) to help them with daily tasks.
The group said it would be helpful if services were more sensitive to carers’ circumstances. One example they gave was Leeds City Council sending invoices addressed to relatives who had died months previously with the word “deceased” next to their name, which can be very upsetting for family members to read.
They praised Carers Leeds for the “amazing support” they provide, saying they wouldn’t be able to carry on without the organisation.
They pointed out that caring for loved ones when out and about in public could be made easier, not least due to vehicles being parked on pavements. Sometimes the attendees had even had to push wheelchairs onto roads!
The group members said they would feel safer outside if there were an increased police presence, and there was agreement there needs to be better street lighting. They also thought that having fewer takeaway shops would make Leeds a happier and healthier city.
What next steps did this chat inspire in our decision-makers?
“The importance of dignity and respect. Considering the caring workforce into 21/22 – how do we get the right caring workforce?”
