Support for carers
A carer looks after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are sick, frail, disabled, have an addiction or mental health problem. The care they provide is unpaid. If you are a carer and caring is affecting your life then a Carer's Assessment could help you.
What is a carers assessment and how do I get one?
As a carer you have a legal right to an assessment of your needs. If you are a parent of a disabled child your needs will be considered as part of an assessment of needs of your child and family. If you care for an adult you can have a Carer's Assessment to discuss the help that you need. This can happen even if the person that you care for refuses help.
There are three key pieces of legislation that have been put into place to help carers, they are:
Carers Recognition and Services Act (1995)
Carers and Disabled Children's Act (2000)
Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act (2004)
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Working Carers
Do you find that you worry about juggling work with caring?
If so, did you know that The Work and Families Act 2006 gives Carers the legal right to request flexible working? This right was introduced in April 2007 and could make a difference to your work life balance.
For more information on Working Carers please visit Carers UK
or the Princess Royal Trust for Carers who have lots of information and advice to assist you.
Carers UK have also produced a handy employees guide to working and caring which you can access Here![(PDF [351.8Kb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
Carers and Their Rights - (The Law Relating to Carers - Third Edition)
This definitive handbook on the law relating to carers is frequently used in developing policies and practices relating to carers. This 3rd edition contains several new updates, including references to the Equality Bill which is likely to have a significant impact on policies and the delivery of services for carers.
This handbook has been written by leading community care lawyer Luke Clemence, and outlines the principles of rights of carers to support from Health and Social Care Authorities. It is a valuable tool for professionals working with carers. Please view; Carers and Their Rights (The law relating to carers) by Luke Clemence