Shropshire Carers

A carer is someone who is giving regular, ongoing assistance to a friend or family member who, due to illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, is unable to manage without this care and support. A carer doesn’t have to live with the person they provide support to and the care they give is unpaid.

Supporting someone can mean different things, including helping with:

• Emotional support – listening, reassuring and talking.

• Household chores – cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing or shopping.

• Medication support – picking up medication, reminding or physically helping someone with their medication.

• Administrative support – help with appointments and documentation.

• Personal care – eating, getting to the toilet, washing and dressing.

• Physical care – mobility support around the home like lifting, moving, turning.

• Caring at a distance – providing support and contact to someone who may be in secure services or a care home or another part of the country.

Carers may be entitled to receive information and advice to support them in their caring role and to request a carers’ assessment to help identify whether they have any eligible needs and how those needs may be met.

A carers’ assessment is an opportunity for the carer to speak to someone about their caring role and the impact it has on their life. It is not a test to see how well they are caring, but a conversation to see what support may be given to maintain the carer’s own wellbeing. More information on carers’ assessments and the support that may be provided can be found at

www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/ caring-for-someone-else/carer-assessments

It is important for carers to remain fit and well to continue in their caring role. There are various organisations which can support people to achieve this. Carers should also ensure they have regular health check-ups, stay fit and active and remain independent.

For more information about what local support is available, or to request a carers’ assessment, contact the First Point of Contact Team on 0345 678 9044.

For more information, visit

www.shropshire.gov.uk/ shropshire-choices/caring-for-someone-else

Shropshire Carers is a dedicated carers’ support team within Shropshire Council, providing timely information, advice and support to enable carers to live their best lives. The service offers carers:

• One-to-one support – this includes emotional support, information (information line operating Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) and advice. The service works with you to explore the options available to you as a carer. • Signposting or referral to specialist advice and support – such as benefits advice and advocacy.

• Regular wellbeing check-in and chats.

• Assistance with planning ahead.

• Peer support groups – virtual and in the community.

• Training workshops.