Eight in ten carers are working harder with fewer breaks since the pandemic began and three-quarters said they were exhausted, according to a survey of almost 6,000 unpaid carers who completed a Carers UK online questionnaire.

One West Yorkshire care company that recognises the vital role of unpaid carers, wants to reassure them that respite care is still available. Respite care breaks are an opportunity for carers to take a break and spend some time looking after their own needs, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is receiving the very best care.

Czajka Care Group owns and runs Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home and Staveley Birkleas Nursing Home, which are all in Nab Wood near Shipley and Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills. The family-owned company provides respite care for periods of two weeks or more.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Konrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care GroupKonrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care Group

Konrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care Group, said: “We know that the pandemic has really impacted people who care for loved ones at home and that lots of services have been restricted during these times. This means many people are working around the clock to help their relatives, who are often living with debilitating health needs. That is why we want to support families from our local communities and reassure them that respite care is still a workable option.

“We understand that carers are under an awful lot of pressure right now – many are exhausted and are unsure where to turn to for help. Guilt also plays a part in some carers not considering respite care, but time and time again we see the benefits for both the person being cared for and the carer when they are given a much-needed break.

“We also know that people maybe weary of bringing their relatives into care homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but our staff are tested weekly and residents every 28 days. Our teams also always wear all the relevant PPE and follow strict protocols. The quality care we provide is why our residents and their families choose our homes, and the dedication of our highly qualified and loyal teams is what sets our service apart. We provide everything from short stays to long-term nursing care and make sure that everyone who comes to stay or live with us feels at home”.

Families can keep in touch via Czajka Care Group’s virtual visiting system and the company is currently in the process of setting up special indoor visiting areas with protective screens.

Konrad added: “When visiting was first restricted we invested in new technology to ensure connections were maintained. Our homes already had high speed Wi-Fi, so residents could use the internet to stay in touch with family and friends via social media and Skype, but we also introduced new tablets at every home so all residents can chat with their families and friends using Facetime, WhatsApp and other apps. Our new Covid-safe visiting areas will be up and running soon and we look forward to welcoming new residents into our homes”.

 

At Czajka Care Group’s Staveley Birkleas specialist nursing home, young people from the age of 18 to 64 who have a variety of needs including amputees, people with brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neuron Disease, Huntington’s, Epilepsy and many other complex conditions are cared for. At it is four other nursing and care homes, Czajka Care group cares for older people from the age of 65. Visit www.czajka.co.uk or call 01274 599 564 for more details on the respite care packages available.