Carers and family support

A carer is anyone who provides a great deal of care on a regular basis for a member of their family or a friend – but is not employed to do so. As a carer you may be able to get extra help both for yourself and the person you care for. There are also many organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

Carer's assessment

Any carer providing regular and substantial care is entitled to an assessment of their needs.

The Carer’s Assessment is an interview or a series of interviews with you, to see what help you may need to be able to go on looking after the person you are caring for. It gives you the opportunity to think about yourself and what you want and need.

Some services may be provided by Adult Services, others by private organisations, and there may be charges for them, but you will be told in advance what these are going to be.

If Adult Services can give you practical help, you may want to consider using Direct Payments which allows you to organise the help you need yourself.

For more information or to request a carers assessment contact your local Adult Services office.

Other sources of help

• Carers support groups who can provide support, information and advice
• Back care for carers - information and support online
• Respite care services that include sitting services, short stays in residential care and Shared lives schemes (formally known as adult placement schemes)
• Bereavement advice - advice on practical arrangements and support