As well as schools and non-essential shops being closed during the current lockdown, many day and respite care centres are also unable to open, adding to the demands on carers across Cumbria.
More people are taking on responsibilities for caring for family and friends during the pandemic, research from Carers UK reveals. And many are worried about how they can continue to provide care within the current lockdown restrictions.
Carers Support Cumbria’s (CSC) whose Carers Organisations support unpaid carers – say many are worried they are breaking new lockdown rules when they leave their homes to care for others.
However, the county’s Carers support organisations are informing Carers, reassuring them that the new COVID lockdown legislation, currently in place until March 31, 2021, makes allowances for those caring for someone with ‘a significant health condition’
The Government guidance says you can leave home to buy things at shops or obtain services where necessary on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating.
Chief Executive of West Cumbria Carers, Sue Whitehead said: “We know that many families are finding it difficult to cope with their normal caring responsibilities during ‘lockdown’, and are unsure when they can and can’t leave their home.
“We’d like to reassure people the new laws do take into account their roles as Carers.”
Chief Executive of Eden Carers, Dani Leslie added: “If you or someone you care for have a significant health condition, you can leave your home more than once a day for exercise.
“This could include individuals with learning difficulties or autism, and those with dementia.”
Chief Executive of Furness Carers, Craig Backhouse said: “The guidance for Carers is that exercise should take place as close to your home as possible, and you should remain 2 metres away from anyone who is not a member of your household or Carer. However, if there isn’t anywhere suitable to walk close to home, you can drive for a short distance to exercise. An example would be to reach a flat track, accessible for someone who can’t walk on steep, rough ground.
“Similarly, if the person you are caring for is unable to walk and exercise, a drive in your local area with them is an acceptable way to ‘get out of the house’.”
Carer Support South Lakes Chief Executive, Mike Seaton said: “You can also leave your home in an emergency, for example, if the person you are caring for has fallen or become disorientated. You can leave home to get help.
“Cumbria Police are fully aware that people caring for family members may need to leave their homes (with or without the person they are caring for) and are supportive of them doing so. However, it will sometimes be necessary for police officers to “stop and challenge” individuals driving or walking around Cumbria in order to identify those who do not have a legitimate reason to have left their homes.
“If you are stopped, you will simply need to explain that you are out because of your relative’s medical condition, and you should then be allowed to continue.
“Please understand that this is a new, and changing, situation for police officers as well. This means there is likely to be the odd occasion where things don’t go smoothly. If you are asked to return home despite explaining your reasons for being out, please do so, and then get in touch with your local the carer’s organisation.
“We are informing and providing our Carers with information and advice on what they can and cannot do during lockdown. However, we are aware that there may be many others who are now being unpaid Carers and unaware of the support and advice available.”
If you are an unpaid Carer, your local carer’s organisation can provide you with advice and support. You can contact them by emailing or calling their office:
- Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
- Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
- Eden Carers Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
- Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
- West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
The full government guidance on what you can and can’t do during lockdown can be found here:
cantdo/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
