Carer support groups and organisations

Contents

• I look after someone – does that mean I am a carer?
• How can I get help?
• Where can I get information and advice?
• What help is available for carers?
• What about my own health?
• Contact details

 I look after someone – does that mean I am a carer?

Many people who look after someone do not consider themselves as carers.

However, you are a carer if you provide unpaid practical and/or emotional support to someone who needs help. This could be because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The person you look after might have physical difficulty, hearing or sight loss, a learning disability, a substance misuse problem or suffer from mental ill-health.

They could be:

• your husband, wife or partner
• a family member such as parent, brother, sister, son or daughter
• a friend or neighbour.

and the care you provide might include:

• personal care such as helping with washing and dressing
• assisting with access to the toilet or dealing with incontinence problems
• helping with eating or taking medicines
• helping overcome mobility problems
• general help within the home.

How can I get help?

If you provide what is considered to be a 'substantial amount of care on a regular basis' for someone who is aged 18 or over, you have a right under the Carers Act 1995 to request an assessment of your own needs when the person you look after is being assessed for their community care needs. This assessment will look at issues relating to your caring responsibilities including your wishes about accessing work, education, training or any leisure activity.

Our carer's self assessment form has been designed as a first step towards getting help. There is an information sheet which gives guidance on thinking about your own needs and the things that would make caring easier. It is also a chance to look at what might help maintain your own health and well being.

If you need help with the form, or prefer to talk to someone about your needs, you can get in touch with any of the agencies listed in the next section or contact us.

Where can I get information and advice?  

Many local voluntary agencies can provide advice, information and practical support. Derby has a Carer Support Network of local organisations helping carers all over the city

There are support workers available for one-to-one appointments, home visits and drop-in sessions at GP surgeries and clinics, the Royal Derby Hospital and local community venues. They can provide advice about support available locally and any help carers may be entitled to receive.

The following agencies currently contribute to the Network:

What help is available for carers?

Local services that can help include:

• Lifestyle Benefits Carers Discount Scheme - Membership for 2011/2012 provides carers with access to a range of discounts when buying such things as holidays, travel, leisure opportunities, domestic appliances and general shopping.
• Telecare - Care Link can provide a range of Telecare sensors that can be installed in the home to help people live more independently. Sensors can monitor movement and detect gas, temperature, someone getting in or out of bed, taps being turned on and off, and electrical appliances being used.
• Emergency Planning - A Contingency Plan can help you think about what will happen if you are unwell or if there is an emergency that affects your role as a carer. Derbyshire Carers Association on 01332 200002 can help you design your individual plan which can then be ‘registered’ with us. When any emergency occurs, we can then implement your plan which aims to make sure the person you look after is kept safe for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.
• Benefits Check - this can be arranged to make sure you and the person you look after do not miss out on any entitlements.
• Message in a Bottle - a scheme which provides special bottles that can be used to store vital information such as repeat prescription forms, details of allergies, and carers' contact details in a safe place.
• Carers Personal Budgets - some carers may be eligible for a one-off Carers Personal Budget. This is money given to help them take a holiday, pursue a hobby or just have some time for themselves. The budget can also be used to help make the caring role easier or less time consuming.
• Carers breaks - carers can benefit from a break from their caring responsibilities. For many, a break is not a luxury but is essential to help reduce the stress associated with their caring role. If the person being looked after has ‘critical’ or ‘substantial’ community care needs, it may be possible to organise day or residential respite so that the carer can take a short break.

What about my own health?

Carers often neglect their own health and well being when they are busy looking after other people. It is important to register at your GP surgery so that you can get support. You may be eligible for things such as a flu jab, or need a more suitably timed appointment. You might need information on health conditions or medicines and other more specific support might also be available depending on your circumstances. You should register with your GP now if you haven't already done so.

Useful forms

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• Carer support groups and organisations