The care support service with Eliza Atyeo

Melanie:

Welcome to the Family Carers Podcast where we help mums, dads, aunts, uncles, daughters, sons, friends, and anyone caring for a family member or loved one to feel supported and connected to their local community. This week we're joined by Eliza, a Carers Commissioning Officer from the BCP Council. In her role, Eliza works with partners, carers, and service users to assess and understand the needs of carers in the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch area. She also reviews the provision of support available to them. In this episode, we look at caring for carers and meeting the needs of those caring for a loved one in the BCP area. Eliza will give us an overview of the carer support service and types of support available. We'll get some clarity on respite care and the options that are available and we'll learn about local initiatives for carers such as the carers card and access to a free handyman service. If you're interested in learning more about how Eliza and the team are meeting the needs of carers and what's out there already, then this episode's for you. I'm Melanie Cohen. Stay with us. So, I'd like to introduce you to Eliza.
 
Hi, Eliza, how are you?

Eliza: 

I'm good, thanks. How are you?

Melanie:

I'm good, thank you. It's really good to have you here.

Eliza:

I know, I know. It's been a long time coming, to something like this. It's needed.

Melanie:

Good, good. You've got so much information I'm desperate for you to share with the listeners. But for now, before we go any further, for anyone who doesn't know you, can you just start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role?

Eliza:

Yeah.

So, commissioning is a complex role. it accounts for kind of every element of support that exists, particularly for carers in my case. What I do is engage with partners and with the market to make sure that there are provisions available for carers that kind of align with their needs, their views, and their values. And so it's a lot of analyzing and assessing local needs, looking at different data and things like that. But the fun part is where we get creative, we get really kind of innovative with the things that we come up with to support carers. And we always do, you know, any kind of work. I suppose it's in co-production is really what the most important thing is we just work in a way that enables carers to share with us everything that they feel they need. And then they support us to develop those services. And so it's kind of like carers supporting carers in that sense is what is so great about it and I think a big part of it as well is having an idea of what the trends are in the area to know what provision we'll need in the future, what type of workforce we might need, what services people need to be able to access. So it's, yeah, it's a lot of kind of strategic work that we do. It's a really big picture, actually, isn't it? Yes.

Melanie:

And so important, like you say, to work in co-production with people to really understand what their needs are.

Eliza:

Yeah, because otherwise, you know, if you have a load of services that people don't really want or need, then it's just a bit of a waste of money, isn't it? And a waste of time. And that's not going to help anyone in the long run. So we really want to have services that enable people to be independent but continue their caring role if that's what they want. And it's just about finding ways that we can minimize that pressure on carers.

Melanie:

Amazing. So essentially your role is to build a support network for family carers in our local area. Can you tell the listeners what the BCP Carer Support Service can help them with?

Eliza:

The BCP Carer Support Services was formerly known as CRISP, so it's quite well known now, and it's the lead carer organization in BCP. Their role is to make sure that carers are informed and aware of what support is available to them but also to offer them guidance through the social care pathway. If someone comes through looking for more support, the Carer Support Service will be the one that will support them and make sure they're linked in with the right people and the right teams. And there are so many kind of benefits that carers get from being, from registering with the service. You know, we make sure information goes out regularly. We have a new website that recently launched with the rebrand and we are looking for ways that we can promote different types of information such as podcasts like this. But we also want to make sure that our services stand out. so people know that BCP has got their backs, especially when it comes to carers. We know how important it is.

Melanie:

Absolutely. So is the website the best way for people to connect with you?

Eliza:

Yes, I would say so.

It's at the moment it's going through a review so we are looking for carers to support us with that to make sure that it's a really high standard website. But that if you're looking for information and you don't necessarily want to phone in you can just have a look at all the services that are available to you just by registering. But you could also email or give them a call. and their details will all be provided at the end.

Melanie:

So if someone's not confident using the internet they can call in and access that information over the phone as well?

Eliza: 

Yeah.

Melanie:

Okay that's brilliant, really accessible. like you say, the wonderful role that people are doing by providing that support and care for family members or loved one. And it's great that there's such recognition out there around the practical support that they need to make a real difference in their day-to-day life. especially the support that they often need to desperately, that they desperately need to look after themselves because they're so busy looking after their family member or loved one that quite often their needs get pushed to the bottom of the pile. So it's great that you're offering all this practical advice, support, signposting, and that support network for those people, so thank you. What you're doing here is really hyper-local and it's brilliant that BCP Council are so involved and committed to making a difference to people locally. But does it extend more widely across Dorset than just being in the BCP area?

Eliza:

Yes, a lot of work we do is in partnership with the rest of Dorset and I chair a forum called the Dorset Carers Partnership Forum or it's more commonly known as the DCPG. And that brings people who work with and support carers from across Dorset together to look at the issues people are having, to discuss them and try and find ways that we can make a difference in those areas. For instance, we've developed books that support carers to access learning and development opportunities, which I know we will talk about a bit later with Heather. And that is, you know, that was in partnership with carers, and it was a huge success. But at the moment, we are looking at things like respite, and trying to find ways that we can help carers understand the different types of respite people can get. Because it has a lot of different definitions, because you can access it in a lot of different ways. Absolutely. And I know how It's confusing for us as practitioners, let alone imagine how confusing it must be for carers. So we really want to make sure that it's clear there is one shared message across the whole of Dorset and everyone knows where they can access that support.

Melanie:

Yeah, I mean, respite care is one of the things that we most commonly see the need for and an increasing need for, in fact, in the BCP area.

Eliza: 

Yeah.

Melanie:

And respite care, like you say, can be really confusing. And I think traditionally people have thought of respite care as an opportunity or replacement care whilst they have a holiday, for example.

Eliza: 

Yeah. But respite care is so individual to every person's situation. And it can be anything from an hour or two, you know, either regularly once a week or ad hoc through to like a whole weekend or some overnight care to help the carer to get some rest, well needed rest.

Melanie:

So yeah, tell us about what you're doing around respite care then.

Eliza:

Yeah, so I know, I mean, in the DCPG, obviously, at the moment, we are exploring and we're mapping out kind of talking about the challenges people are having, why it's so hard for people to access respite. And in BCP council, we're looking at that more on a local level. And we know that replacement care as a traditional form of respite is where someone else kind of replaces the carer temporarily whilst the carer can have a break. Carers UK found that the majority of carers are using those short breaks to go to GP appointments and things like that. And that's not, that just defeats the purpose. You know, they're not actually getting a break. And so what we want to do is we want to make sure it's really clear to people that replacement care, when someone comes and supports the person that has the needs, that is, kind of established under a care needs assessment, whereas kind of respite for the carer comes from a carer's assessment. Amazing. And so it's really complex is that trying to understand, you know, when is it a carer's assessment? When is it a care needs assessment? Yeah. And so what we are trying to do is how can we make sure that carers are accessing that replacement care, but it's not it's not too complex for them to understand whether or not there's a care needs assessment, because that will all be established during a carer's assessment, whether or not it's needed. Yeah. And so I think it's just reassuring them that actually carer's assessments can be quite intimidating. People might not necessarily want one, but it's an opportunity where you can really understand where you need to get support from, which avenues are right for you. And it's completely tailored to the carers needs. And so, yeah, there are things that we have already in place. We have beach huts and holiday lodges for carers. I know the beach huts, you don't, you won't get that really anywhere else in the UK. We're so lucky here, aren't we? And they're £5 a day for carers. And, you know, staff don't even get that benefit. That is amazing. And the holiday lodges £10 a night. You could either go to Brixham in Devon or Weymouth. And so it's, you know, those are really good opportunities that not many people would get.

Melanie:

Such recognition for the needs of the family care.

Eliza: 

Yes. Yeah.

Melanie:

And that's incredible. So just to hop back slightly to what you were saying before, the fact that these two assessments, and I think the word assessment can sometimes be a bit intimidating because it sounds like you're gonna have a test. But actually, I think people need to try and get past that. Because it's kind of jargon that we use, isn't it, when we're talking about these things. But assessments in this situation, it's this recognition of the carer's needs. And if there is a need for some replacement care, that comes out of that. So the priority here is really looking at what the carer needs.

Eliza: 

Yeah, it's a conversation. I always, whenever I speak to carers, I always say the best thing you could do is just prepare. Really think about your routines, your day-to-day life. What does a good life look like for you? We know that there are so many things that carers are juggling, and it could just be help to find a dog walker. Some meal deliveries to the person they care for. Finding these different routes where those pressures can be eased. I cared for my dad and alongside with my mum, she took the brunt of it. And it was so challenging just to have not just a physical break, but that mental break, because you are constantly worrying or thinking about, I mean, the lists and the post-it notes all over the house to try and remember all the different things you need to do. And so it's just even if it's just one thing, but that's what that conversation is about. Where can we support you to get the life that you really want and to help you achieve your goals.

Melanie:

More of a balance and making sure you don't lose sight of yourself in that equation. Yeah, definitely. And it sounds like you're really, that's what you're really doing is fighting the corner of a family carer. Yeah. To really help them, encourage them to think about themselves.

Eliza: 

Yeah. And it's, you know, in everything that we do as commissioners, BCP recently, you know, added carers onto the local characteristics for, so any equality impact assessment on provision and things like that. Carers have to be considered in that and that's a huge step. Making sure that the carers needs are always recognised no matter what it is.

Melanie:

Oh, thank you, because you're doing a sterling job of really fighting the corner of a lot of people who don't have the time or the knowledge of the system to have their voice heard. That's really incredible. Thank you. I know that you're also looking at different funding options for respite care. Do you want to talk to us a little bit about that?

Eliza:

Absolutely. So currently, if during this carers assessment of this conversation, if it's identified that a carer has needs, for specific services that we have commissioned, which are kind of our voucher services, and that will be arranged, but they're offered through, as I said, vouchers, I suppose. So we have a take a break service, which offers carers vouchers for treatments and therapies. We have a set amount of providers that offer those. So it could just be to get a massage or something. We also have cinema vouchers, so they can get free access to the cinemas. And we have vouchers for a sitting service, which is about 120 hours of support for the cared for person over the space of a year. Yeah. And we know, you know, those services are essential. Carers have told us that we we need that provision there. But what we've recognized is that the vouchers are actually very complex. Yeah, it's quite it's a very old service. And so it's a lot of legacy contracts and things that we need to look at modernizing. And so we're exploring new ways that we can do that. And when we started this big review, carers told us, well, why can't we just have a card or have the money? And so we can choose whatever we want to do. Because, you know, if we could provide them with a prepayment card essentially, they could use it to get a gym membership, or they could use it to pay for a gardener. If that's what their carer's assessment kind of summarises that they need and that's what is found, then that's what that money can be used for and we're not limiting them. Whereas with these voucher services, providers have to agree to provide that service and accept the vouchers. So yeah, we want to just expand that. We don't want to put restrictions on carers at all.

Melanie:

And we're always talking about providing really person-centered care for people that have care needs. Yeah. But this is essentially providing a really person-centered approach to the support that we're looking to give to carers themselves, which is incredible. Definitely. But I guess it's going to take a little bit of time. It sounds like it's in development at the moment.

Eliza:

It's in development. There is a lot of kind of processes we have to follow to establish this but the most important thing at the moment is we want to hear what carers think of this approach because it's just an idea.

Melanie:

How do they get in touch with you to tell you that? Are you going to be carrying out any sort of workshops?

Eliza:

Yes, so I'm going to be planning some workshops that will happen in the local area and they'll also be online. We're also going to send out a survey to people already using those services but we also have the carers reference group which is, I guess, the carers version of the DCPG that I mentioned. And they are our thinking hats. Any initiative or any idea we have, we run it past this group of carers. And they would just tell us honestly, which I love. It's what you need. Yeah, what they think. And we always want carers to join the group because they learn so much from it. The skills that people develop when they're actually taking part is just incredible, their confidence grows, they actually recognise that they have a voice here. We wouldn't do anything, we wouldn't set up services as long as it's what carers want and that's what this group enables really.

Melanie:

And this group have that lived experience on a day to day basis so they're going to be able to tell you if what you're proposing is actually going to make a difference.

Eliza:

Yeah definitely and that's what's so brilliant about it and I wish when I was caring for my dad I wish I'd known about more of this and had the time to kind of get involved in it. But I think that's it's just reaching out because the group is so flexible. Yeah. You don't have to go every time you can just go in. If you see we'll send out the agenda. If you see a topic that you're interested in, we can make sure that it's facilitated in a way so you can be there and have your say.

Melanie:

Amazing. OK, so we'll link the details in the show notes so that people know how they can contribute their views and get involved with that. Okay, so other than the respite care, which is a massive topic in itself, I know there's a whole host of other activities and initiatives that you do at BCP to support carers. So can you talk us through some of these and how the listeners can access those?

Eliza:

Yeah, there is a few. So I think a big one for us is when you register with the BCP Carer Support Service, you'll be asked if you want to access one of our kind of Dorset carers cards, and that's a joint service with Dorset Council. So, or it could be known as the carer friendly ID card. But that's an initiative kind of provided by Forward Carers, which are a big company and charity that, you know, they do so much for carers, they do. That's perhaps a conversation for another day. Yes, definitely. And this card makes sure that carers can access discounts and goods and services. it is looking to develop carer-friendly communities. And so if a carer shows this card in a shop that's on the directory, for instance, you know, they could get up to like 10% off, 20% off, or they could get concessionary rates for things. But there's also, if an organization or business can't offer a discount, they can do things like, I know, I think the Lighthouse have dementia-friendly screenings, They have quiet times in cafes so people can go with someone who might have sensory needs. And that is, so yeah, it's looking at this whole bigger picture. How can we make communities more carer friendly? But as well, another side to that is it can be used in GP surgeries and in hospitals to prove that they are a carer, which is a big part of it. But practical things as well, we have a handyman service, which is a service that's, if you are over 60 and you're a carer, you can access this service. And that is, it will, things like fitting handrails or, you know, just fixing light switches, things like that. It's like small jobs around the home that people might not be able to do themselves or have time to do. And that is available to carers as well, as people who have received certain types of benefits and things like that. but you know the link will be provided and it's made very clear on the page.

Melanie:

We'll make sure we leave that up in the show notes but it's all of those little practical things that help on a day to day, just help to make the day to day a bit easier I suppose. Yeah definitely. Because I think we all have jobs around the house that we know, back to do list. But if you could have somebody come in and just help you out with those things it's just One less thing for you to think about, for you to worry about, isn't it? Okay, so the handyman service, that sounds brilliant. I think we'll have lots of people that are interested in finding out more about that.

Eliza:

You might see their vans bobbing around ECP.

Melanie:

Okay, what else have you got for us?

Eliza:

So, we have counselling services available for carers as well. It's another joint service with Dorset. and that's provided by the Leonardo Trust who are an incredible organisation. They work so hard to support carers and this service that enables them to access counselling is really tailored as well. It could be anything that a carer needs and they will match them with a counsellor that is skilled in that specific area. What we want to do is we want to expand the diversity of that, make sure we have counsellors that are bilingual and connect carers. And yeah, I think that is a big service as well. And I will just say, if there is any service that people are interested in, the first place to go would be the BCP Care and Support Service to find out more.

Melanie:

Yeah, but I think having that piece around the counselling, the support, the processing of your own emotions and trying to navigate your way through what can often be a really challenging time for carers.

Eliza:

Yeah, particularly for, well I mean it could support anyone but I know a lot of people that use it are new to the caring role and it's all the overwhelm and uncertainty I think.

Melanie: 

Yeah. OK, that sounds fantastic. Thank you. Anything else?

Eliza:

So I'll say two more quickly. We've got Prama Life Focus Scheme, which is a befriending and mentoring service. And I mean, that's that's just lovely. Whenever we speak with the providers about, you know, what's going on in the service, how things are going, they have amazing stories to tell, how care is supporting carers. helping each other navigate the systems and understand a bit more about what to do in challenging times. And just not feeling alone. A hundred percent. Yeah. And the tips like they give to each other, you know, it's that's a really great side of it is a carer could just mention one, something small and the carer they're speaking to might have a tip that can just solve that problem instantly. And so it's a really good way of connecting people. Yeah. An important one as well is the Learning Disability Carers Representation Service and that's provided by Minstead Trust. And they support carers of someone with a learning disability to make sure that their voices are heard as well. They have forums for carers and they host kind of like different events where carers can go and just ask questions. But that's because we recognize that carers supporting someone with a learning disability have very different needs to other carers because the processes of, you know, accessing services are so different. So it's about making sure that those people don't feel like they don't have the support available. Or if the support is there, it doesn't line up with what they actually need. And so the lady who kind of delivers that service, Cinny, she's very knowledgeable and she is a huge advocate for carers. So it's really great work with them as well. That sounds like another great initiative. Yes, there is. There is a lot. And I'd say just have a look on the website or on the BCP Council website as well. We'll detail the services that are available. But if you want, just give us a call. We can talk you through it all.

Melanie:

It sounds like you're really open to actually tailoring the services and support networks that you're building around what people actually need. Definitely. And that recognition is there that actually everybody's experience of being a carer, caring for a family member or a loved one is going to be different based on their own situation, based on the needs of the person that's receiving that care and support. And it changes, people have changing needs. So what works for that carer now isn't necessarily gonna be the same in six months time. So it's about evolving with people and building a more supportive community. That's what I love about what you do. You're building network, but you're also raising awareness. Amongst organizations, local groups, charities, businesses.

Eliza:

Yes, yeah, because I mean, with the Dorset Carer's Card or carer-friendly communities, We hear a lot from businesses, they have no idea how many of their own workforce are carers. So if they know where to support carers, then they can just, they can support their staff better than, you know, retention and recruitment, you know, everything. It helps in so many areas. It's just about recognising that, you know, I mean, carers save the economy. the equivalent to the NHS budget and so it's huge.

Melanie:

And I think just that recognition and people being able to be themselves, take their whole selves to work. So when they're going to work, having that acknowledgement from your employer that they know you're a carer and they know you're juggling so many different things. Just knowing that, I think,

Eliza:

Yeah, it does. It really does. It's funny, it's what we hear a lot and one of the most important things is just flexibility. Yeah. Just adjust with them and because, you know, the rigidness of certain things, it just causes more problems.

Melanie:

Definitely, definitely. Well, we're almost out of time, Eliza and I could sit and talk to you all day about this. Sounds like we've just really scraped the surface with what you're actually already doing, let alone what you've got in the pipeline, and what you're working on at the moment. So, yeah, maybe we can get together again another time, we can explore what you've been doing and how the whole prepaid card initiative's looking, how that's developing.

Eliza:

Yeah, I'm excited for that.

Melanie:

Okay, well, again, thank you for sharing all the information about the practical support that our listeners can access in the BCP area. And I'm sure that a lot of them will have taken lots of notes. Perhaps we'll rewind and revisit some of the initiatives that you've talked about and hopefully we'll connect with you to find out how it can help them. So again, thanks to Eliza for joining us on the Family Carer podcast. I really appreciate you being here. Thanks for listening to the Family Carer podcast. And a huge thanks to Eliza for joining us. And it's great to catch up with you again. So alright folks, remember to subscribe and share this with anybody that you think needs to hear it. And finally, did you know that over 65% of carers in Dorset dedicate more than 50 hours a week to their caring responsibilities? I think we can all agree that that's an incredible, incredible feat really, isn't it? And something we all really need to acknowledge. So thank you again. Thanks, Eliza.

Eliza:

That's alright.