Other Help you may find usefulThere are a number of associations, self help groups and government sources from which help for both you and your partner may be available. It is also worth looking at the yellow pages for listing of local groups and day centers.Some possible sources where you can find Help |
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Occupational TherapistYou can contact your local Occupational Therapy Unit through the local council office's. The department will then arrange for an Occupational Therapist to visit and assess your needs. Once you have been assessed the Occupational Therapist will have any aids you require supplied and fitted, they can be anything from simple grab rails or lever taps to stair-lift's, walk-in shower's and wheelchairs. These are provided FREE of charge and once you have been proven to need these aids the local Social Services Department have a duty to provide them for you. If you live in Council accommodation you may be offered a property more suitable to your need's or they will carry out any adaptations or alterations that are necessary. If you own your property you may have to pay towards the cost of any adaptations.Back to Top
Social Service DepartmentThe Social Services Department are there to help, although over the years the department have had a lot of bad press, which has given rise to mistrust from the general public and sometimes irrational fear. They should be one of the first contacts you make, they can alleviate a lot of the problems which you have to cope with day to day. They can arrange for home helps, holiday's for those who qualify, if you have to get your children to school they can arrange for transport, the list is endless. Remember just because you ask for help does not mean that you are less of a person, or that you are relinquishing control over your responsibilities. Back to Top
Community Psychiatric NurseAs we know dealing with HS is not only a matter of the physical side but there is the emotional side as well. To help you cope with this there are Community Psychiatric Nurse's, whether it's just someone to talk to or help with other matter's they are there. They will help with medication, whether for pain or depression. It is not only for the HS sufferer but also their family, sometimes you need a person outside of the household who can listen without prejudice and pre-judgment to how you are feeling. After all it is not only the HS sufferer who becomes depressed. They can be contacted through your local Social Services or GP's Surgery. Back to Top
Welfare RightsIf your unsure whether you will qualify for any help or need assistance applying for or completing claim forms, then these are the people you need. They are located in various places, most solicitor's now have Welfare Right's workers on their staff. However it is worth noting that they will charge - being attached to a solicitor would you expect anything else!, (however this charge may be covered by the green form scheme). You will also find them at Citizen Advice Bureau's, you will not be charged for any advice given and they will be able to attend any review or tribunal meetings should this be necessary. There are also Welfare Right's office's which you will be able to find listed in your local telephone directory, they are funded by the local Social Service's but operate independently of them. Again you will not be charge for any time or advice they spend on your case. It is worth noting that it doe's really depend upon what advice you are seeking and although you may have to pay for the Welfare Right's officer who is attached to a solicitor, they do have access to processes which other Welfare Right's officer's do not - i.e. they are able to pay for an independent medical report should this be required!!. If in doubt advice should always be sought Back to Top
National CarersThe National Carers Association whose main patron is the Princess Royal, is there to offer help and advice to carers, you do not have to be a registered carer to be part of them, they recognize that the majority of carers are those who are family members caring for other family members.They reali se that children can also be carers and they recognize the need for them to be helped where possible.This links will take you to there web pages www.carersuk.demon.co.uk Back to Top
Young Carers AssociationYoung carers is exactly what its title suggests, it is a group which helps young carers up to the age of eighteen. They have drop in centers and throughout the year day/weekend trips are orginised for the children (mainly during school holidays), the places are usually in high demand so there may be a waiting list although this is worked on a need basis and not the length of time you have been waiting. It give young carers the chance to relax either by themselves or having fun with other children and helps relieve the stress which is placed on children who care.
District NursesYou will find district nurses attached to most doctors surgeries, if you need help with dressings or cleaning wounds they will be able to attend at your home on a daily basis.
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