Caring During Covid -19 - Carers Experiences in Sandwell
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Healthwatch Sandwell undertook a focus group with carers on 30 September 2020 to find out how the Covid-19 pandemic had affected them in their role as carers. Nine people took part.
Carers felt that although they and their loved ones were protected by staying at home, they felt isolated from support. They were worried about accessing health care for themselves for fear of catching Covid-19 and passing it on to those they cared for. They felt their own mental health was affected by the pandemic. They experienced financial impacts as some were furloughed or made redundant.
All support was withdrawn at the beginning of March 2020. Some support was provided remotely, but this was limited to emotional support. Being out in nature was seen as a good coping mechanism.
People wanted day centres to be reopened, better information about the future of services, a return to normality, including time for them.
The report includes 6 recommendations to allieviate the problems outlined in the report.