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.
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 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 support to unpaid carers in Derbyshire on behalf of health and social care. They can offer information and advice, carry out carer assessments and support planning and offer peer support and social activities for carers across the county.
You can visit the Derbyshire Carers website or tel: 01773 833833 for further assistance.
Mobilise - online support for unpaid carers
Mobilise are an online service providing help and support which aims to make the lives of family carers easier, less lonely and frustrating.
Mobilise provide a range of free online support including information and advice and the chance to connect with other carers through a closed Facebook group or via daily virtual 'cuppas', where you can connect with around 12 other people who are also looking after a loved one.
If you would prefer to talk about your caring role in private, Mobilise can provide you with individual support from a member of their support team and this can be over the phone or via a video call, anytime from 8am to 10pm, 7-days a week.
The digital support offered by Mobilise complements the services provided by Derbyshire Carers Association to offer greater choice for carers.
You can visit Mobilise, read about their online support for unpaid carers in Derbyshire and subscribe if you'd like to find out more.
Carer personal budgets and carers breaks
If you require a carer assessment, you may be assessed as eligible for a carer personal budget.
This is an amount of money to support you in your caring role and assist you to take a break from caring, or make things easier for you. It's not means tested and you will identify how best to spend this.
Find out if you're eligible 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: