Anyone can become a carer and carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be any age. Many feel that they're doing what anyone would do in the same situation, caring for a mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter or best friend, for example.
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Are you a carer?
There are nearly 6 million unpaid carers in the UK. You're a carer if you provide unpaid support with day to day living tasks or personal care to a family member or friend. Those you care for could be ill, frail, disabled, suffer from poor mental health or have a substance or alcohol misuse problem.
Often carers care for more than one person and there may be family situations where, for example, a couple mutually care for each other and there is no main carer.
Support for carers in Derbyshire
Carers in Derbyshirehas been developed by us and a partnership of experienced family carers, health services and voluntary sector organisations, including Derbyshire Carers Association.
Carers in Derbyshire aims to be a one-stop-shop for unpaid carers who live in Derbyshire and want reliable, up-to-date information and advice about topics including:
- carers assessments and eligibility
- carers breaks, including carer personal budgets
- a searchable directory of services for carers including support groups, sitting services and social activities
- carers rights
- health and wellbeing advice
- benefits for carers
- support for young and parent carers
- advice on planning for an emergency
- employment advice for carers
The Care Act
The Care Act came into operation in April 2015. It's a significant piece of legislation for carers as, for the first time, it gives them the same rights as those they care for, and there's a legal duty for us to consider a carer's needs and see if they can get support. The Care Act brought in an eligibility criteria for carers which is the same across the country.
Carer assessments
A carer assessment will help to identify the help and support you need and is your opportunity to tell us about the things that could make caring easier for you. If you meet the eligibility criteria you may be provided with information and/or services to support you in your caring role. This could be information about training courses, support groups or services to get a break from caring.
Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA)
DCA provide of support services for carers in Derbyshire on behalf of ourselves and health services. They can offer information and advice, carry out carer assessments, administrate carer personal budgets and run carer support groups and social activities throughout the county. You can find your local DCA office or contact their head office, tel: 01773 833833.
Carer personal budgets and carers breaks
A carer personal budget is an amount of money awarded to you, to give you a break from your caring role or make things easier for you. It's not means tested and if your application is successful, you have a wide choice about how the money is spent. You can find out more on the Carers in Derbyshire website, including how to apply for a carer personal budget.
Carers in Derbyshire also has general information about getting a break from caring.
Emergencies
Carers in Derbyshire has information on how to get help in an emergency or crisis.
There is also advice on preparing for an emergency by having a contingency plan in place. You can also apply for a carer's emergency card online.
Advocacy
Under the Care Act 2014, carers are entitled to advocacy support. This means getting support from an independent person to help you express your views and wishes and ensure your voice is heard. You can use an advocate to help you liaise with health and social care professionals or get access to local services, either for yourself or the person you care for.
If you’re having difficulties getting your voice heard or being listened to in respect of your role as a carer or on behalf of the person you care for, you can get support from the Independent Community Advocacy Service tel: 01332 623732.
Keeping adults safe
Abuse occurs when a vulnerable adult is mistreated, neglected or harmed by another person and the abuse can be an accidental or deliberate act and take many forms.
Safeguarding is the process we use to help protect a person's right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. We will investigate suspected abuse of a vulnerable person and take action to keep the person safe. If you suspect abuse contact: