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What is a carer?
An accepted definition of a carer is:
“Someone whose life is in some way restricted by the need to be responsible for the care of someone who is mentally ill, mentally handicapped, physically disabled or whose health is impaired by sickness or old age.”
J. Pitkeathley (1989) It’s my Duty Isn’t it? London: Souvenir Press.
Carers are usually people who look after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental health problems. There are nearly 5.7 million carers in Great Britain. A carer can be:
- a relative, friend or neighbour but not someone who is paid to help or who is a volunteer helper from a voluntary organisation;
- a man, woman or child.
Parent carer
This is a parent of a child with a disability or illness. Parents will often see themselves as parents rather than carers but their child will have additional care needs and may be entitled to additional services.
Young carer
This means a carer who is under the age of 18 years. The person receiving care is often a parent but could be a brother or sister, grandparent or other relative who needs support. There are over 50,000 young carers in the UK.
The care they provide may include:
- help with washing, bathing, going to the toilet, dressing or feeding;
- assistance with getting about or lifting;
- giving support in a crisis or whenever it is needed;
- shopping, running errands or help with money;
- keeping an eye on someone to keep them safe.
Many services are directed towards the care of the person who has a disability, is physically or mentally ill or frail. However, if the person being cared for receives the right services then the carer should benefit too. It is therefore all the more important that carers make their views and needs clear.
The help available includes practical help at home, equipment, day care, information and respite care which may be of specific help to carers.
Carers are entitled to have their needs assessed by the council separately from the person they care for or are thinking about caring for.
Sometimes carers and the people they care for are not in contact with the council through choice or because they do not need help at the moment. However, a carer may be concerned about what would happen in an emergency and how the right care would be provided if they were unexpectedly unable to provide care.
Should you wish to seek help, you should contact the Access and Information Team, using the details at the foot of this page. The Team will record all your information and pass this to the appropriate colleagues, who will then contact you to arrange an assessment.
Additional information
Emergencies
Normal office hours are:
- Monday - Thursday 8.30am–5.15pm,
- Friday 8.30am-4.45pm.
If something cannot wait until the office re-opens, you can contact a duty social worker on the 24-hour emergency contact number below.
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