Support for carers
In England, millions of people provide care or support to a family member or friend, either in their own home or somewhere else. This is often unpaid apart from benefits, so they are known as unpaid carers.
‘Caring’ for someone can cover many different things. It may include helping someone with washing, dressing or eating, taking them to appointments or keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious.
If this sounds like you, there are services to support in your caring role. They also enable you to look after your own wellbeing.
Find out about what support is available in Torbay for carers.
When the person you support is having an assessment, anyone involved in their care should be included in that assessment and in planning their care. You should also be offered your own Carer’s Assessment, even if you are under 18, or are just preparing to take on a caring role.
You can have a Carer’s Assessment even if the person you care for does not get any help from Social Care Services. They will not need to be assessed.
All adult carers of someone in Torbay can have a Carer’s Health and Wellbeing Check at their doctor’s surgery. There are also services for Carers under 18. If your caring situation is more complicated, you may need to be referred to Adult Social Care or a specialist team.
You may want to join a local carer support group so you have people to talk to, or to attend carers education courses such as first aid or manual handling. You may be eligible for additional support, such as a small personal budget to give you a short break. There is a wide range of support available, and the Carer’s Health and Wellbeing Check / Assessment will help you work out what is right for you.
For any further information, contact Torbay Carers.