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Could you care?
Kingston Council this week (week commencing 14 July 2008) launches a recruitment campaign aimed at attracting more carers into its Adult Placement Scheme.
The scheme offers vulnerable adults the opportunity to live in a family environment and experience all the benefits that family life has to offer: accommodation, support, warmth, comfort and friendship. Carers, who are paid approximately £350 per week, welcome these people into their homes to live as part of their family and to help them live a normal life in the community.
The Adult Placement Scheme was established just two years ago, and people have already benefitted. One such person is Paddy, who appears alongside his Carer, Lynette, on a new poster to promote the scheme.
Paddy was not coping well living in his own home: he had become unwell and was not managing to cope with living alone in his home. Thanks to the Adult Placement Scheme, Paddy has now moved in with Lynette, her husband Michael and their family and he is doing well. He has become much more active and enjoys helping Lynette with the gardening.
In fact, gardening has become a real focus for Paddy and his new family – together they have visited Wisley Gardens, the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park and Garsons Farm and have even been on a trip to Lourdes together. “Living with Lynette has made a big difference for Paddy,” confirms Sheilagh Sollis, Adult Placement Manager at Kingston Council.
Carers are carefully matched with people wishing to use the service, bearing in mind the needs and preferences of both. Throughout a placement, which can be long or short term, the Carer is supported by the Adult Placement Team with training, carer meetings and regular reviews.
Kingston Council is keen to expand the scheme and attract new Carers. Posters and fliers are being distributed around the borough to GP surgeries, pharmacies, libraries, Council Helpdesks, resource centres and supermarkets. An information evening is being held on Wednesday 3 September (5.00pm, PCT building, 22 Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL) for people who want to find out more about being an Adult Carer.
Councillor Ian Reid, Executive Member for Adult Services at Kingston Council, said: "This is a fantastic scheme that allows some of the more vulnerable members of our community to live full and independent lives. If you are a caring person, and you have the time and space to welcome someone into your home, I would encourage you to consider becoming an Adult Carer.”
For more information, an application form or to register for the information evening, please call Sheilagh Sollis on 020 8547 6160 or Dawn Fenton on 020 8547 4735. Alternatively you can e-mail: sheilagh.sollis@rbk.kingson.gov.uk