Are You a Carer?
A carer is someone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend, in their day-to-day life. This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally or through a voluntary organisation.
The Care Act 2014 sets out carers’ legal rights to assessment and support. It came into force in April 2015.
The Care Act relates mostly to adult carers – people aged 18 and over who are caring for another adult. This is because young carers (aged under 18) and adults who care for disabled children can be assessed and supported under children’s law.
If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you.
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone: 080 8802 0202
Helpline: http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
Email : [email protected]
Office hours: lines are opne 8am to 9 PM Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 4 PM at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines
Carers Support Groups
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Young Carers
Young carers (aged 5 to 19) are in a position where they have to assume a level of responsibility that would normally only be asked of an adult. The stress and anxiety that this can cause can leave them feeling isolated and unsupported. Many miss out on their childhood and youth as time constraints make it impossible for them to attend school or take part in leisure activities with their peers.
If you are a young carer or are being cared for by a young carer do let you clinician know during your appointment. Other support can be offered by Spurgeons. Their website are: https://www.spurgeons.org/our-services/young-carers or http://www.spurgeonsyc.org/london/.