"Care for the Carers aims to improve the quality of carers lives by helping the local community recognise and value the role of carers, and by enabling carers to access the services & support they require."

Information for Carers

As a carer, you have the right to have your views taken into account when social services are considering how best to meet the needs of the person you care for.

Carer's Assessments

If you provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis, you are entitled to a ‘carer's assessment’.

A ‘carer's assessment’ is usually carried out by an Adult Social Care Assessor, who will consider support you may need to continue caring. They will need to take into account your willingness and ability to continue caring. This will include considering your health needs and whether you have, or wish to have, paid work or education. The assessment should be reviewed as your circumstances change.

For more information on ‘carers' assessments’ visit Social Care Direct or go to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers' website. The carer's assessment may lead to:

• additional services to the person you care for
• regular or occasional respite or short breaks from care
• a one-off payment to purchase something you might need, such as driving lessons, a computer, household equipment, etc.
• registration for the Emergency Respite Service

Respite

Many carers worry about what would happen to the person they care for it, for example, they become ill or were involved in an accident. CRESS or Carers Respite Emergency Support Service is intended to provide carers with peace of mind by ensuring that alternative short-term, home-based care can be put in place in the event of an emergency.

As part of a Carer’s Assessment, carers can record a contingency plan. The plan will need to be in place within two hours and will last for up to 48 hours (72 if over a bank holiday) while longer-term support is arranged. Ideally carers will identify three people / care providers who will be able to step into the caring role. This could be a relative, friend or a care provider already known to the family.

To find out more about CRESS contact Social Care Direct

Download the Carers' Assessment/CRESS form

Employment Rights

Carers also have limited rights to take (unpaid) time off work to care for a dependent. Parents with children under 6, or disabled children under 18, who have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks have the right to apply for flexible working arrangements. For further information visit the DirectGov site flexible employment for carers page.

Financial Support

You and/or the person you care for may also be entitled to financial support from central government. These could include:

• Carers Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Housing/Council Tax Benefits
• Income Support and Tax Credits

More information on these benefits can be found on the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Carers UK or Direct.Gov.UK websites. For a detailed guide to the principal rights of carers, we strongly recommend ‘Carers and Their Rights’ by Luke Clements, which can be accessed and downloaded at the Carers UK website.

Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact our Adult Carers Support Team who will be happy to discuss your situation and offer further information.