Everyday Heroes
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Healthwatch West Berkshire undertook research on the needs of unpaid carers who support people living with memory loss as part of their 2024/25 workplan. They conducted 6 case studies, 8 interviews and 2 focus groups.
Confusion surrounds West Berks Council's invoices for 'Carers in your Home'. Invoices contain incorrect and unclear pricing information, making them difficult for carers to understand. There are outdated WBC (West Berks Council) contact information on the invoices.
Families struggle to distinguish between normal ageing and dementia symptoms. There is little accessible information on early warning signs. There are no simple, accessible resources are available to guide families.
Carers receive a flood of information upfront, much of which is not immediately relevant. There is no clear roadmap outlining what to expect at different stages of Dementia /Alzheimer’s.
Carers struggle with fragmented communication between hospitals, GPs, and district nurses, making it difficult to navigate care options.
Unpaid carers are left to manage complex medical needs without adequate training. District nurses sometimes refuse visits, and paid carers are restricted by regulations.
Unpaid carers are not aware that they could get health checks for unpaid carers so don't take them up.