What is the definition of a carer?
Do you support someone who couldn't manage alone without your help?
Then you are a carer.
It does not matter whether you live with the person or not or whether you are a relative or not. If someone relies on you for support, you are a carer.
You could be looking after someone because of:
Caring can be very demanding, whether it is for a few hours a week or 24 hours a day. Carers need a break, too. Help at the right time enables people to go on looking after their relatives or friends, if that’s what they want to do.
Follow this link for more information on Carers' Holiday Grant.
Social Services can offer:
- Information about other services for you or for the person you look after
- Counselling and advice to help you. This could be from us or from another organization.
- Home care services to help you and the person for whom you are caring for
- Breaks during the day to allow you time for yourself
- Breaks of one or two weeks to help you 'recharge your batteries'
- Long term arrangements if you are no longer able to carry on caring.
A Number of organisations provide useful information about local and national services via their websites. Links to some of these are given below, see useful contacts for carers. Please note that the Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust document, Infolink Resource Directory, contains information about a broad spectrum of local services. Many of these are relevant for carers of people with a wide range of health difficulties and disabilities.
Carers' Assessments
The purpose of a carer’s assessment is to explore how you can be supported in your caring role, and to maintain your health, well being and other commitments. It doesn’t matter whether the person you care for is presently receiving services from us. If you are supporting someone who would not be able to live in the community without your help, you could still be entitled to a carers’ assessment.
If there is a particular worker who already knows about your situation such as Home Care assistant, social worker or community psychiatric nurse, you can request that they are involved in your carers’ assessment; just ask.
How much will it cost?
The Carers' Assessment is free. Equally, there is no charge for information and advice but, if you are eligible for carers’ services, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost. During the assessment, we will explain fully what charges, if any, would have to paid for any relevant services.
Contact Us
Adult Services
29 St Mary's Gate, Derby
Telephone: 01332 717777
Minicom: 01332 206180
Fax: 01332 717360
Children and Family Services
Rosehill Street, Derby
Telephone: 01332 717118
Minicom: 01332 206184
Fax: 01332 717188
Useful Contacts for Carers