Looking after someone

You can receive your Direct Payment in different ways: • Direct Payment Online Account (DPOA). • Self-Managed Account. • Managed Account Service.

Considering a Direct Payment?

If you would like to find out more about Direct Payments or to discuss which option might be best for you, please contact our Direct Payments Team on 01865 898989 and speak to one of our advisers, or email the team at

Directpaymentadvice@oxfordshire.gov.uk Oxfordshire County Council’s approved provider list

The approved provider list includes providers offering support specific to Managed Accounts, Payroll and recruitment support for you to purchase to help you to meet your support needs; the cost of which will be included in your agreed Personal Budget amount.

You can access the approved provider list at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ Search and select ‘Direct Payments for care and support’ then select ‘Direct Payments approved provider list (APL)’.

You may not see yourself as a ‘carer’ – you see yourself as a son, daughter, partner, friend or neighbour. But if you regularly support and care for someone who could not manage without you then you are a carer and there is help available to support you to carry on with this vital work and consider your own wellbeing.

If you provide unpaid support to someone who could not manage without your help, the law says you have the right to have your own needs assessed, even if the person you care for has refused support services or an assessment of their own needs.

A carers’ assessment gives you the chance to say what you need as a carer, and to find out what support might be available to help you to continue in your caring role while still being able to pursue your own interests or lifestyle. Your physical and emotional wellbeing and quality of life are at the heart of the assessment.

Your carers’ assessment will result in a personalised support plan that considers your own needs and will give you information about services available, and other ideas for supporting you in your caring role. You can also talk to a specialist carer support worker.

You can complete a carers’ assessment form online by visiting www.oxfordshire.gov.uk and searching ‘carers’ assessment’. If you would like support with completing the assessment, contact Carers Oxfordshire. See page 18.

Respite care and short breaks

Respite is alternative care or support for a ‘cared-for’ person so the carer can have a break from caring.

It can range from a break of a few hours during the day so that the carer can go out, to a longer break of a week or more. A respite service may be provided in the home, for example a care worker comes in to look after the cared-for person, or in another place such as a care home or respite centre. Respite is considered to be a service for the person being cared for. If they have a Personal Budget for their own needs (see page 16), they could use that money to pay for it. A financial assessment of the person being cared for will confirm whether they need to pay towards the cost of this service.

Carers Oxfordshire is here to support unpaid adult carers in Oxfordshire. That means if you are 18 or older and a child, another adult or both, relies on you to do something they are unable to do for themselves, you can rely on us as you figure out your path.

Carers Oxfordshire aims to help you recognise your role as a vitally important carer. No one likes to be labelled; however, recognising yourself as a carer can be the first step to getting the information, advice and support that you need. Caring for someone else shouldn’t come at the cost of caring for yourself. Carers Oxfordshire will support you to find ways to care for yourself as you care for another – whatever that looks like for you.

Carers Oxfordshire wants you to know that you are brilliant. The service will be here to encourage you when times are tough and celebrate your wins with you. Carers Oxfordshire will be here to listen to your needs and work together on solutions.

Call 01235 424715, email carersreferrals@carersoxfordshire.org.uk or visit www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk

Young carers

A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who may be physically or emotionally caring for someone in their family because of an illness or disability, including mental health conditions like depression and addiction.

Being a young carer can have a positive impact on some children, for example, they may acquire new skills, or be safely independent. However, being a young carer may also have a negative impact on a child and for some children, providing care to another person can cause them to have support needs, or put their health, development or education at risk.

If you have concerns about a young carer, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 050 7666.

Carers’ benefits

Carer’s Allowance

If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and you are over 16, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. However, you cannot claim it if you are in full-time education or employment and it can affect other benefits or pension you receive.

Carer’s Premium

If you are over 65 and you claim Carer’s Allowance, you may be able to get extra money added to your existing benefits or credits. This is called Carer’s Premium.

Carer’s Credit

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit which will let carers build up qualifying years for the basic State Pension and additional State Pension.

This means that there will be no gaps in your National Insurance record if you have to take on caring responsibilities.

See www.gov.uk for more information about carers’ benefits, including Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Credit and Carer’s Premium.

Resource for those supporting children with additional needs

My Family, Our Needs is an online resource providing impartial information for parents, carers and practitioners supporting children from birth to 25 years with additional needs. As well as guidance, policy and signposting, there is a lifestyle section for parents covering topics such as health and wellbeing, work, family and relationships. Visit www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk