Adult carers
Who are carers?
If you look after, help or support someone who is ill, frail or disabled then you are a ‘carer’. You may be a young person or child, an adult, a friend, neighbour or relative.
What do carers do?
A carer often helps a relative, friend or neighbour with:
- personal care, such as washing and dressing
- practical care, such as feeding and helping with medication
- emotional support, such as providing company.
What help is available for carers?
Carers have a valuable role in helping people to manage at home, and we recognise that carers need help and support themselves.
Respite and care services
As a carer you are entitled to receive an assessment of what you need. We will give you information about the different types of service that are available to you such as short-term breaks (known as respite ), day care, home care, residential care, and other practical home support to help you get a break.
Support grant
You may also qualify for a support grant which you can use to buy services or pay for leisure activities – to give you a break from caring.
Help for carers of children and young people from 13–25
Our 'Moving On' directory will help you plan for the transition to adulthood for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. It's packed with information on finding your finding your way around the different agencies involved and the choices that can be made.
Carer's assessment
A carer's assessment is an opportunity to:
- talk about your your own needs as a carer
- be given information and advice about what help may be available
- identify and discuss any difficulties you have.
We will discuss:
- the help needed by the person you care for
- the help you are giving at the moment
- the services we may provide.
As a carer you can ask for an assessment by calling 0845 60 80 191 or use our online application form.
Your social worker or occupational therapist will take the results of this assessment into account when deciding what services you may be entitled to.
Further information
You can download our leaflet Help and information for carers or contact a charity dedicated to supporting your needs – Care for the carers.
