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The Carer's Handbook by Jane Matthews
New guide offers essential support for carers
Becoming a carer can be a physically and emotionally exhausting task and although there is help available many carers do not have the time to look for it or know who to contact. The Carer's Handbook aims to be a one-stop-shop for the huge percentage of the population who, now or later, find themselves in a caring role, whether that involves shopping for a housebound neighbour, or giving up work to care full-time for a disabled child or confused parent. It covers:
- What carers need to know to do the job
- How to find a way through the maze of health, local authority and voluntary agencies
- Guidance on day to day practicalities
- Financial and employment rights
- Dealing with emergencies
- Keeping care under review.
The Carer's Handbook will also help carers care for themselves. It looks at the difficult feeling that go hand in hand with caring, including how relationships are affected. There's guidance on what to do when a carer stops coping, and how to prepare emotionally and practically for the time when caring comes to an end. There is also an extensive resource section that arms carers with all the phone numbers, addresses and websites they need.
About the author:
Jane Matthews is a former carer and Chair of Milton Keynes Relate, which ran counselling and support sessions for carers in conjunction with the city's Carer's project. She is the author of two other self-help titles, both aimed at helping people make better relationships. She has worked as a journalist on local and national titles and was managing editor of the Open University's newspapers and magazines. Jane became a carer herself when her uncle was diagnosed with cancer. The lack of resources, support and guidance she experienced, together with her feelings of isolation, led her to write this book to help others who find themselves in a caring role.
Where can I buy this book?