NEWCIS commenced their Dementia Emergency Planning project in January 2021. Carers caring for a loved one living with Dementia will be supported by NEWCIS to discuss and complete an emergency planning document which will record what support is available should an emergency occur and support be required for the cared for. The document is a preventive measure as it encourages carers to think of the support that would be available should an emergency arise and put plans in place while no crisis is occurring.
Carers accessing this project and other NEWCIS Dementia carers have also been able to access funding for Bridging the Gap (BTG), a flexible respite support for carers from many care providers. BTG has been recently adapted during the pandemic, for family or Friends to support with respite and this has enabled carers to choose who, how and when they get the support, which during the recent restrictions has been invaluable. Carers tell us that being able to be creative and bespoke with the respite support they receive helps them to maintain their caring role.
NEWCIS have also supported carers in the above project from additional outside funding by offering Keep Well boxes (fresh food boxes) and Keep Busy boxes (activity boxes). These boxes ensured that during the pandemic carers who needed this support where able to access fresh fruit and vegetables delivered to their homes and also activities providing respite from the caring role.
