Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey

Replies

By Greywolf

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Sat 12 Apr 2008 13:58

Have just looked at this survey and it seems aimed for those carers who care for children. Do you know if there is one for carers who care for adult members of their family, or can we fill in the same survey?

Many thanks.

By moonstar

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Mon 14 Apr 2008 03:18

Hi

I went to your survey but, unfortunately it didnt apply to me. I care for my son, but we only ever go to family for holidays.

Good luck with your plans

By Greebo

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Mon 14 Apr 2008 14:43

I'm another carer it doesn't apply to - I've got a longterm sick & disabled husband, therefore we reluctantly decided against having children, therefore we don't get help from the family fund etc

Couples are no less in need of respite, or help finding money for suitable holidays etc. It seems that we're regarded as a less deserving cause than those looking after a sick or disabled child.

I realise that this isn't Cally's fault, but I'd really appreciate it if somebody would do something about this.

By moonstar

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Tue 15 Apr 2008 02:35

Hi Greebo

I care for a child with special needs, but dont qualify for respite.

I can only afford a holiday once a year because I go to stay with my parents - this is when I get my chance to have a rest.

I appreciate what you say about people without children needing respite, holidays, etc, but there are carers for children who have these problems too.

By Greebo

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Tue 15 Apr 2008 08:49

Moonstar, I have never said that there aren't carers for children with disablilities etc. However, if you have a disabled child, you can get help from the family fund, and there are umpteen charites who do things for disabled children & their families.

When you have time & energy, please compare this with the amount of charities etc that help disabled or longterm sick adults with holidays or extra wear & tear on things like washing machines - bugger all for adults compared with children, and there's little enough for children.

FWIW my husband & I don't even get to stay with relatives most years as he's not well enough to travel without relapsing badly. For him, a stay has to last more than 7 days or he's still recovering from the journey there when we have to go back! You can imagine how many people aren't willing to have a house guest who needs to spend most of the time resting.

By moonstar

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Wed 16 Apr 2008 23:00

Hi Greebo

I didnt mean to cause any offence to you with my posting, and if I did, please accept my apologies.

By JLM1407

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Thu 17 Apr 2008 11:00

After speaking to the Consultant regarding the amount of hospilisation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy plus aftercare my husband would need - if he did survive - I could no longer keep my job. With regard to the Carers Allowance I received in place of my salary - I was devastated to find that I would receive less than a third of what was my earnings. Not only do we no longer have holidays we have to do without a lot of things. We have tried to get financial help towards a holiday but all we can apply for is a TAKE A BREAK scheme run through the local council. This is a one off payment each year of £250 - try and find a holiday for two adults and two children for that ! Impossible - even though my eldest daughter is now old enough to stay at home with friends, we have only managed to get a weekend away using the £250.
The Carer's allowance is an insult .

By Cally

Re: Holidays for the carer and their families:a survey
Wed 23 Apr 2008 21:20

Thank you all for your replies. You are right in thinking that our plans, and therefore the survey, applies to families with children as this is where our skills and interests lie.
As you, and many others have revealed, there is a huge gap in provision for all families who need supported holidays, we can only hope to scratch the surface for a few.
Although our plans are to help families with children, by providing supported activities, there is no reason why the facilities can't be used by adults in the same way. The accommodation would be accessible to all, and although the adventure playground may not be a draw, the chill out area, coffee bar and woodland walks might well appeal.
You have given us food for thought. Maybe we can open this further by reaching out to cared for adults as well as children.
Thoughts?
Cally