Respite on Prescription allows Suffolk Family Carers to enable Family Carers to have medical procedures, appointments and recover with peace of mind that the person they care for will still receive the care and support they need.
George has been registered with Suffolk Family Carers for a few years. He was initially supported by our REACT team after his partner had been discharged from hospital. George is the sole carer for his partner who has Alzheimer’s and requires daily support with eating, mobility, medication and personal care.
George needed knee replacement surgery but was concerned about who would care for his partner whilst he was having the operation and recovering. His son and daughter had busy lives and weren’t always available.
Whilst on a visit to his GP George mentioned his concerns about undergoing knee surgery and was given information about Respite on Prescription.
“I had no idea that such a service was available and was really grateful that my GP was able make a Respite on Prescription referral to Suffolk Family Carers for me. It took a lot of the worry away and allowed me to have my knee operation.”
I rang Suffolk Family Carers and spoke to a kind person on the Hub. They informed me they had received the referral from my GP and requested information about whether my partner was going to receive care in the home or go into residential care. They also asked about the details of the operation time and the cost of care to support my partner during this time. I felt residential care would be better, and the person from Suffolk Family Carers kindly sent me information about residential care homes so that my family and I could find something appropriate. The person from Suffolk Family Carers also told me that once they had all the required information from me the referral would go to their panel for review, and they would confirm what funding was possible.
My daughter and I then set about finding a suitable residential care home that could support my partner whilst I had my operation and also some recovery time.
Once I had everything together I phoned Suffolk Family Carers again and within two days they were able to confirm the amount of funds I would receive to help towards the care. This was fantastic news and lifted a great weight off my mind, which I really appreciated”
Without this support, George many not have been able to have his surgery, which may have caused more issues for him in the future.
