Caring for someone with cancer
Who is a carer?
Many people don’t see themselves as carers; you may feel that you are doing what is your responsibility, helping the people you care for. Understanding that you are in a caring role can help you access the support and information you might need.
You are a carer if you provide unpaid help or support to someone with cancer who would find it difficult to manage without you; this includes a partner, family member, friend or neighbour.
Your responsibilities might include help with everyday tasks like shopping or cleaning, taking them to appointments, helping with personal care and emotional support.
Every situation is different. Caring can be very rewarding, but it can also be challenging and demanding at times so being able to access information and support to help you in this role may be beneficial.
Support and information available
The following list of organisations/resources may be helpful for carers of cancer patients. However, you are also able to contact the staff/volunteers at the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre to discuss any non-clinical problems or concerns you may have (all clinical queries must be raised with the department/clinical staff treating the patient). You can either pop into the Wellbeing Centre or call us on 01206 745347.
Complementary Therapy
Carers of cancer patients who are receiving their treatment at Colchester Hospital may be able to benefit from free Complementary Therapy sessions at the Wellbeing Centre, but due to high demand this may not always be availble, please call us at the centre to enquire. For further information, click here to take you through to the ‘Complementary Therapy’ section of this website.
Macmillan Booklets
Looking after someone with cancer
Be there for someone facing cancer
Financial Advice
Macmillan benefits website information about types of financial support available. Further benefits information is available on another page on this website
Blue badge parking scheme, via Essex County Council website
Charity Initiatives
Action for Family Carers is an Essex charity, which for over 30 years has been providing information and support to carers who have unpaid, caring responsibilities for others. They provide information, befriending, counselling, volunteering opportunities and respite day care across the county, working within schools and a variety of community settings. Book a telephone appointment (0300 770 8090) with an expert in family carers. The charity also offer free Counselling sessions for carers and a wealth of other information and support services.
Carers Cafe, ‘Action for Family Carers’ virtual Cafe – join every Wednesday for a break, chat with other Carers and enjoy a range of activities chosen by you and other Carers.
‘Action for Family Carers’ also have an employment initiative for carers, a project called ‘New Work Challenge’, to support unpaid Carers who wish to take advantage of any opportunities available to them within the employment marketplace. This opportunity is also available to former carers.
Email: paul.weaver@affc.org.uk or Tel: 0300 7 70 80 90.
Red Cross, assistance when returning home from hospital, offers support for carers in some locations.
Snap Charity, If you have a child between 0 – 25 years who has any additional need or disability and you live under Essex County Council, Thurrock or Southend local authorities then they are here for you and your family.
Carers First delivers the Essex Carers Service across the county supporting carers and families by providing emotional and practical support, advice, information and guidance, and opportunities for carers to access training, social groups, activities, trips and more.
CarersUK, (a national membership charity for carers) who aim to listen, give you expert information and advice that’s tailored to your situation, to champion your rights and support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.
Tel: 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm
Email advice@carersuk.or
Penny Brohn UK, a cancer charity that focuses on a ‘whole life’ approach aiming to build resilience in every aspect of life and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and repair itself. They have a page on their website dedicated to those supporting someone with cancer - click here.
Tel: 0303 3000 118
St Helena Hospice, helps local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them and their families, friends and carers.
Palliative and end of life care drop in group is for Colchester hospital patients, family and carers. A friendly drop in session to talk about any worries or concerns relating to the journey through palliative and end of life care.
Provision of short or longer term live in carers
HomeTouch
HomeTouch provide support to patients from just a few days to long-term durations and can commence care within just 24 hours if needed.
· Exceptional quality care - Hometouch is rated good in all areas by The CQC and rated 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot.
· They have many carers to choose from - they own the largest UK database of live-in carers.
· Packages to suit all budgets - They provide both introductory and regulated live-in care across the nation.
Website: myhometouch.com
Tel: 07782 588441 / 0203 9189724
Getting help from social services - needs assessment/ carers assessment
Click here to access the Essex County Council website.
This link will help you access a variety of information which includes:-
Are you eligible for financial support?
Emotional support for carers.
Carers’ rights in the workplace.
Getting power of attorney and looking after someone who lacks mental capacity.
Request a carers assessment (to help find out about the local support that is on offer). Click here to access the specific ‘carers assessment’ webpage.