For many people, looking after a loved one who is physically or mentally ill, frail, or disabled is something they do out of love and because it feels like the right thing to do. Some people feel they have no choice.
As an unpaid carer, you are legally entitled to access support for your health and wellbeing. Under the Care Act, you are entitled to a carer’s assessment which asks in-depth questions about your caring role and how that impacts the different aspects of your life, health, and wellbeing.
We can signpost you to other Professionals for up-to-date advice on what you are entitled to.
The steps below will help you get the support you are entitled to.
Look after your own health
Register as a carer at your GP Practice. Many surgeries offer carers a free flu vaccination, flexible appointments, information, and support. To join the carer register ask for a carer identification form at reception.
Get a plan in place for emergencies
Apply for the Carers Emergency Card: The Carers Emergency Card is a card you carry in your purse/wallet that identifies you as a carer so that if you have an accident/emergency, the emergency services will know that the person you care for needs help. They will then put your personal emergency plan into place to care for that person and or provide up to 72 hours of care in their home.
Carer Assessment
This is an assessment of your needs as a carer. An assessment can lead to practical support from the local authority to help you with your caring role. This could be someone to help the person you care for with washing, dressing, or toileting or getting equipment to help you lift or move the person you care for. The assessment may also help you get support to have a break from your caring role. Please visit our carers assessment page.
Support
Find out what services and support are available locally for you and the person you care for – Caring Together Warwickshire provides information, advice, and practical and emotional support.
Support to stay or return to work
Get support to stay in or return to work as a carer. Juggling work and caring for someone can be difficult. You can request flexible working from your employer and have the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependent. There is also support for carers looking to get back into work from Jobcentre Plus and other agencies.
Jobcentre Plus - local office search
Talk about being a carer
Talk to someone about how being a carer affects you - It is important to be aware of the effect that caring has on you and your own health. Talking about this can help in itself or be the first step to getting the support that you need.
