A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health problem or addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid and would include parent carers of a disabled child and young carers looking after a member of the family.
Many people who care for others don't see themselves as carers. This is because they see themselves as a husband, wife, partner, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend etc. It is important that people are encouraged to recognise that they are carers so that they can be signposted to support at the earliest opportunity.
As an adult carer you are entitled to a carer’s assessment. The assessment looks at how caring affects your life, including for example, physical, mental and emotional needs, and whether you are able or willing to carry on caring.
The person you are looking after can also have a social care needs assessment. This assessment is a discussion with the person you care for (and you) to find out more about the kind of things that they need support with.
For further information please contact Social Care Direct:
If you are a carer, or you have a carer, please let the surgery know so that we can update your medical records accordingly and ensure that you receive the care and support that you need.