For 60 years, Sense has provided support to disabled people with complex communication needs and their families.Throughout this time we have seen how devoted family members play a key role in supporting, enabling and empowering their loved ones. Parents and family members provide support day-in and day-out, and year after year, often with limited opportunities to take a break. They also often become experts in their loved ones’ care; co-ordinating support and advocating on their behalf. We know that as carers of disabled adults become older, their caring role becomes harder. They may lack the energy they once had to deal with the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and once they begin to develop their own health issues and illnesses, may quickly lose the ability to provide high levels of care. It is a common experience for the families we support to worry about will happen to my ‘what loved one when I’m gone?’ Our report shows that over two thirds of people caring for a disabled relative fear for the future. Despite this, few have felt able to put a plan in place 75 per cent of – families have not made a plan for what should happen when they are no longer able to provide care. 75 per cent of families have not made a plan for what should happen when they are no longer able to provide care.
For 60 years, Sense has provided support to disabled people with complex communication needs and their families.Throughout this time we have seen how devoted family members play a key role in supporting, enabling and empowering their loved ones. Parents and family members provide support day-in and day-out, and year after year, often with limited opportunities to take a break. They also often become experts in their loved ones’ care; co-ordinating support and advocating on their behalf. We know that as carers of disabled adults become older, their caring role becomes harder. They may lack the energy they once had to deal with the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and once they begin to develop their own health issues and illnesses, may quickly lose the ability to provide high levels of care. It is a common experience for the families we support to worry about ‘what will happen to my loved one when I’m gone?’ Our report shows that over two thirds of people caring for a disabled relative fear for the future. Despite this, few have felt able to put a plan in place – 75 per cent of families have not made a plan for what should happen when they are no longer able to provide care. 75 per cent of families have not made a plan for what should happen when they are no longer able to provide care.
campaign-when-im-gone-securing-long-term-care-and-support-for-disabled-adults.docx