Your rights as a carer
All carers have certain rights and it is important that you know what these are. It is important that you do not overlook your needs as a carer.
Making time for yourself is a very important part of caring for your own well-being and health.
As a carer, you are entitled to a carers assessment. This assessment is done by your local social services department. It is to see whether you need help and support caring for your loved one.
This help and support can come in many different forms and the person you care for does not need to have their needs assessed for you to have yours assessed.
- Before your care assessment, have a think about how your caring role affects you and what would help you manage better.
- This may be something such as being able to take a break, perhaps for a few hours each week to spend time to look after yourself.
- During the assessment you will have a chance to talk about the care that you provide and the impact that it has on your life.
- The assessor will then look at the help and support options that are open to you. They will also advise on any benefits that you may be entitled to.
It is important to bare in mind that the support that is available to you is means tested. So you may have to pay for some of the services you need.
Please explore our website further for more information regarding your rights as a carer and the support that is open to you.