Services for carers Who is a carer? Carers regularly look after, help or support someone who wouldn’t be able to manage everyday life without their help. A carer doesn’t have to be living with the person they care for and the help they give doesn’t have to be physical. The carer may be caring for a partner, another relative, a friend or a neighbour. For example, it may be someone who:
• has a long-term health condition; or
• is over 60;
• eating or taking medicines;
• is living with dementia;
• getting about at home or outside;
• has a physical or learning disability or a mental health condition;
• practical help at home and keeping someone company; or
• has sight, hearing or communication difficulties;
• emotional support or communicating.
• misuses drugs or alcohol. The carer may be helping with: • personal care, such as washing and dressing; • going to the toilet or dealing with incontinence;
Having a carers’ assessment Anyone who provides, or intends to provide, regular unpaid support to someone who could not manage without their support has the right to have their own needs assessed, even if the person they care for has refused support services or an assessment of their own needs. A carers’ assessment is an opportunity for people to tell the council what they need as a carer and to find out what support might be available. The assessment is an essential first step for carers to get the support they may need. It looks at:
that can be used towards the cost of something specific that will support carers in their caring role. For example, it could be used for leisure activities, education or training, or just to take a short break from caring. The amount a carer could get depends on their needs identified by their carers’ assessment. The money is not taxed, and it will not affect any benefits. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/adult-socialcare/paying-for-care and select ‘Direct Payments support area’ for more information.
• the care the carer provides and how this affects their life; • any support they are getting now and what else would help; and • what they would like their support to achieve. The assessment can also give lots of information about other services that might help and other ideas for support. The carers’ assessment will show if the carer qualifies for support from Adult Social Care. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and search ‘Support for carers’ for more information. Carers’ Direct Payments The carers’ Direct Payment is a single payment
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