A family carer is someone of any age whose life is restricted
because they are looking after another person who cannot manage
without help because of illness, age related frailty, mental health
need, or disability. Family carers are not paid and do not always
live with the person they care for. They may be caring for a
friend, neighbour or relative.
This includes Young Carers aged under 18 and Parent Carers of
disabled children. It also includes people who are about to take on
caring responsibilities, however it does not include paid care
workers or volunteers working under contract.
If you are helping to care for someone – and this includes
worrying about and feeling responsible for someone who cannot
manage without support - then you will want to know what
information and support is available to you to help you in your
caring role and in leading your own life.
On this web site, you will find information about your rights
and details of who to contact to find out more. We will also tell
you what supports and services might be available and where to find
further advice and information.
All carers have a right to have their views taken into account
when social care services are considering how best to support a
disabled person.
If you are providing a substantial amount of care on a regular
basis then you have additional rights to:
- advice and information about your rights;
- an assessment of your needs (Carers Assessment).
This assessment will take into consideration whether you:
- work;
- want to work;
- are receiving education or training;
- want to receive education;
- your leisure activities.