Looking after a Relative or Friend - Information for Carers
Anybody who provides unpaid support and care to a relative, child, partner, other family member, neighbour or friend, who, due to a disability, physical or mental illness, addiction or frailty is unable to manage without help. They provide personal care, practical help and emotional support.
Many carers don’t recognise or call themselves as such. They see caring as an extension of their role as partners, parents, children, relatives and friends of the person they care for.
We work with people to help them continue to live as independently as possible and to help them continue to live in their own homes wherever possible. As a carer the Council may be able to provide you with help and support and also may be able to provide help and support for the person you are looking after.
If the person you are looking after is frail or has a disability, they are entitled to a Community Care Assessment. Following an assessment you may be eligible for a service, such as:
- Someone to help look after the cared-for person at home
- Meals delivered to your home
- Day services
- Support for carers, including respite:short breaks from doing the caring or sitting services
- Help if you are leaving hospital or have had a serious illness
- Advice, equipment and adaptations to help you continue living at home
- Residential care or supported living schemes
- Information and advice about other services
Social Care Services are now delivered as Personal Budgets. This means that service users have more choice and control over their support. They can choose their services to be arranged by the Local Authority or they can arrange their own support using a Personal Budgets Direct Payment. This may involve making arrangements with an agency or employing your own staff.
To organise an assessment contact Sirona on 01225 396000
The Council, in partnership with NHS Bath & North East Somerset and the GP Clinical Commissioning Group have commissioned a range of services to support you in your caring role. Information about these services can be accessed through The Carers' Centre
Parents with a disabled child
A parent who is caring for a disabled child is entitled to have their needs assessed by The Disabled Children's Team as part of the overall assessment of the child and family. For further details contact: