News & Events
Pilot scheme to support carers of people with MND
26 February 2008
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Crossroads Caring for Carers are pleased to announce a pilot scheme commencing on the 1 March to provide respite support for carers of people living with MND.Caring for someone with MND can be exhausting both physically and emotionally. Many carers talk about their reluctance to accept help because of concerns that nobody else would understand the needs of the person they are supporting.
The pilot scheme places extra emphasis on building relationships, with the Crossroads worker visiting the home several times to get to know the person with MND and their carer, before practical support is required.
Practical support for the person with MND will allow the carer time to relax, leave the house, or just sleep. Importantly, bereavement support will also be offered, with Crossroads workers offering support and advice if required.
Tricia Holmes, Director of Care Development at the MND Association said: “This is a very exciting development for the MND Association. Crossroads Caring for Carers is a very highly-respected organisation which emphasises the needs of carers.
“This pilot will give carers the opportunity to access the support they need in order to find time for themselves. The role of carers is hugely important and ensuring that their needs are met can go a long way to supporting families affected by MND.
“We anticipate the scheme will plug a gap in existing services, and give carers peace of mind. The partnership between the MND Association and Crossroads will ensure support workers can offer carers respite, leaving them confident in the knowledge that they understand the specific needs of the person living with MND.”
The scheme will be piloted in parts of Trent and East Anglia and if successful, will spread to other areas of the country. The service is free to carers and will provide care at flexible hours to suit individual needs.
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Notes to editors
Crossroads Caring for Carers is a national organisation providing high quality practical support in the home to carers of people with physical and mental disabilities.
Funding for this service will be applied for through Social Services. In addition funding may be accessed from the MND Association (via Crossroads) for some aspects of the service.
Funding for this service will be applied for through Social Services. In addition funding may be accessed from the MND Association (via Crossroads) for some aspects of the service.
