Support for Carers Useful Information Carers Rights The Care Act 2014 Came into force in April 2015, with some elements implemented in April 2016. It put in place significant new rights for carers in England including: A focus on promoting wellbeing. A duty on local councils to prevent, reduce and delay need for support, including the needs of carers. A right to a carer’s assessment based on the appearance of need. A right for carers’ eligible needs to be met. A duty on local councils to provide information and advice to carers in relation to their caring role and their own needs. A duty on NHS bodies (NHS England, clinical commissioning groups, NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts) to co-operate with local authorities in delivering the Care Act functions. Taken together, these new rights should have a significant impact on carers and the support available for carers. However, this is dependent on local councils putting these rights in place. Further information about the Act, and a useful series of factsheets, are available from the Department of Health and Social Care. Carer's Assessment A Carer's Assessment evaluates the type of support that would benefit you as a carer. The goal of the assessment is to identify what support you require to maintain your health and wellbeing while balancing your caring role. It is separate from the needs assessment conducted for the person for whom you care for, but can be completed at the same time. The Carer's Assessment is: Simply a conversation that helps Adult Social Care to understand the best way to support you in your caring role and in your life outside of caring. To share your experience of caring and to recognise your role as a carer. To be given information, advice and help. To identify and discuss any difficulties you may have in your caring role and in other aspects of your daily living. You may already have a good idea of what kind of help you need to make your caring role easier. If you are unsure, the carer’s needs assessment will give you a chance to think about this and talk through the options of support. Preparing for a Carer's Assessment Collect all the relevant information you’ll need your NHS number your GP’s name, address and phone number details your email address contact details of anyone coming to the assessment with you details of the person you care for including their name, address, date of birth and NHS number. Things to think about beforehand Make a list of the different ways you are providing support, such as offering emotional support, managing finances, helping someone with practical activities such as shopping, ensuring someone is safe from harm, or helping with personal needs such as using the bathroom. Consider how caring affects your life. Does it leave enough time for you? Does it affect your emotional wellbeing – for example, do you often feel drained or lonely? Does it affect you physically – for example, do you lose sleep or get back ache from lifting someone regularly? Has it affected your work, social life or education? If the person you care for will be present at the assessment, will you be able to speak freely about any difficulties you have? The assessor will discuss how caring affects your life, including your physical, mental and emotional needs. They should cover: your role as a carer how you feel about caring whether you’re able or willing to carry on as a carer your health your work other caring responsibilities what you enjoy doing in your free time planning for emergencies. Be honest and realistic about your caring role. If you put on a brave face or play down any difficulties, you could miss out on help and support. If you would like to be referred for a Carer's Assessment, contact the First Contact Team at Adult Social Care on 020 8708 7333, option 2, or complete the referral form on the Redbridge Adult Social Care website here.