This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is aimed at arming carers with the information they need to recognise their rights.
But, for a carer to recognise they have rights, they must first understand that they are a carer.
What does the term ‘Carer’ mean?
The word ‘carer’ means different things to different people. When some people hear the word ‘carer’ they may think of someone who works for a care agency or in a residential care home and is paid for the care they provide. But, a paid carer is not the only type of carer, there are also ‘unpaid carers’.
In fact, North East Lincolnshire Council estimates that as of the 2021 Census there are currently 14,057 people providing care to another person as an informal carer in North East Lincolnshire.
In North East Lincolnshire Focus Independent Adult Social Work support unpaid ‘adult’ carers. These are people who care for another person who is an adult (ie; a person 18 years or over). When we discuss support for ‘unpaid carers’ in this article, it is these people that we have in mind.
Am I an unpaid carer?
The Social Care Handbook defines an unpaid carer as
someone who provides unpaid support to a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, has a mental health problem or substance misuse problem. The support may be personal, practical, emotional or supervisory.
There is no doubt that every carer journey is unique. For some, it may be helping a partner wash and dress; for others, it may be helping a family member with their appointments or helping them pay their bills. It may even be providing daily meals to a neighbour or ensuring a friend takes their medication.
Support available for carers of adults in North East Lincolnshire
Carers Assessment
All carers are entitled to ask for an Assessment of their needs. This is called a ‘Carers Assessment’. This is separate from an assessment that the person you care for might have. You can ask for a combined assessment with the person you care for (consent from the cared for person would be required), or a “stand alone” assessment. If eligible needs are identified, carers will then receive a support plan.
You can get a carer’s assessment whether the person you care for is having their needs assessed or not. The kind of support you could receive depends on your circumstances, but here are some of the things can be explored during an assessment:
- Information on local support groups
- Help with caring
- Different ways to support you to have a break from your caring role
- Contingency planning
If you would like to discuss your caring role and/or a carers assessment you can contact Focus Adult Social Work on 01472 256256 (Option 2).
The Social Care Handbook can give you more information and advice on the process of an assessment and the eligibility criteria.
Live Well
The Carers Information Hub has helpful information, advice and links to support services for carers in North East Lincolnshire
The Carers’ Support Service
The Carers’ Support Service (01472 242277) provides a range of advice, information and signposting as well as practical and emotional support.
Carers Wellbeing Worker Service, Care Plus Group
The Carers Wellbeing Team (01472 571120) support carers who help people over the age of 60, or who have a learning or physical disability
They provide regular contact with carers. This can be through face-to-face visits in their homes, in the community, telephone or by email. Contacts can be weekly, monthly or whatever the carer feels they need at any stage in their journey. The contact and support also continue when their cared-for moves to supported housing or into permanent care.
They provide emotional and practical support. For example, support with attending meetings, completing paperwork, and signposting them to other organisations that provide further help.
Support Exploring Benefits
The following services can help advise carers on what financial support they may be entitled to.
- Age UK 01472 344976 (option 1 for Grimsby) option 2 for Cleethorpes
- Citizens Advice Bureau – 01472 236675
- Centre4 – 01472 236688
- Jobcentre Plus – 0800 169 0190
- Pensions Service – 0800 731 7898
This gives you an idea of the kind of support available in North East Lincolnshire. But, when in doubt, contact Focus Adult Social Work on 01472 256256 (Option 2).
We can give you advice based on your individual circumstances and help you access the support you need.
