KIDDERMINSTER-based Kemp Hospice have launched a new service designed to support main carers of people with life-limiting conditions at home.

The Kemp for Carers team plan to visit the homes of people living within the Wyre Forest district who are dealing conditions such as cancer, Motor Neurone Disease, and heart disease.

The hospice will offer free, four hour per week respite support to carers of patients who are deemed to be within their last 12 months, and who are not receiving any NHS funded care services.

Respite support means that carers are able to have time to themselves, to carry out everyday tasks, or relax, with their loved ones in professional care.

Karen Coles, Head of Care at the hospice, said: "Looking after someone every hour of every day can be very taxing, Kemp for Carers are there to provide that extra help.

"Our Kemp for Carers team provide personal care such as assisting people to the bathroom; monitoring conditions and communicating with other professionals involved in the person's care.

"Most importantly, our carers, trained to Kemp’s high standards, provide that crucial reassurance with our high quality, friendly, compassionate communication and company.”

The new service has also been backed by by former Wyre Forest Member of Parliament and health campaigner Dr. Richard Taylor.

Dr Taylor said: "The life of a carer can be terribly hard and lonely and, unless there’s somewhere like Kemp to provide a special service for those caring for loved ones, how do those carers get that crucial time off?

"To be able to offer a family that ‘freedom’ is special and that’s why I think Kemp for Carers is crucial to the community.”

In the short term Kemp say they are accepting referrals only from healthcare professionals such as GPs, District and Community Nurses, but hope to open referrals out to anyone who would benefit in the near future.

People an find out more about Kemp for Carers via www.kemphospice.org.uk/kempforcarers.