Everyday Heroes

Download (PDF 954.47 KB)

Summary of report content

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 There are outdated WBC (West Berks Council) contact information on the invoices.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.

Would you like to look at:

General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch West Berkshire
Publication date
Key themes
Access to services
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Health inequality
Integration of services and communication between professionals
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Interviews
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
General Practice (GP)
Memory clinic

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
16
Types of long term conditions
Dementia
Does this report feature carers?
Yes
Did you find this attached report useful?
0
No votes have been submitted yet.