www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Adult Carers
Summary of Service
A carer is someone who looks after a relative, partner or a friend who cannot manage at home without help due to a disability or illness or because they are elderly or frail. According to the 2001 Census there are 39,886 carers in Wiltshire. Around 3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives.
You are a carer if you provide regular and substantial unpaid help or support to a person who, because of their age, disability, illness, mental health problem or is frail, cannot manage at home without help.
Many carers do not see themselves as carers. Rather they are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, partners, husbands, wives or neighbours looking after someone. However, being identified as a carer can be important to get the extra support you need to continue in your caring role.
Details of Service
If you are a carer for someone you may be providing practical help such as cleaning or cooking or physical tasks such as bathing, lifting and dressing. You may be giving emotional support or having to keep a close eye on the person you care for.
Most people who look after relatives or friends are happy to do so but caring for someone can be demanding and there is a range of help available to support you in your caring role.
The information here aims to give carers an idea of the range of services available to them and who to contact for further information. It is not a complete guide to services for carers.
We arrange care and support for vulnerable adults who need help. If you are a carer, we can:
- Offer an assessment of need to the person you care for. This can lead to a range of help including help with washing and dressing, aids and adaptations, respite. The person you look after may be eligible for Direct Payments to organise their own services.
- Offer you an Assessment of Carers Needs if you provide regular and substantial care. This looks at your needs including staying in or accessing employment, training and leisure. The assessment can lead to services to support you in your caring role such as short breaks and carers' services. You may be eligible for Direct Payments, either a single or regular payment, to organise your own services. Your needs are also taken into consideration when arranging care for the person you look after.
- Offer advice and information about helpful local resources and organisations such as the Carer Support Agencies in Wiltshire and activities and care at home to give you a break.
- An out of hours Emergency Duty Service on 0845 60 70 888.
Payment
There is currently no charge to carers for carers' services. If the person you care for has additional services, in order to give you a break from your caring role, those services fall within Wiltshire's charging policy and the cared for person will be financially assessed to make a contribution towards the charge. See Your Contribution towards services and Fairer Charging for further information.
Sitting services arranged through the Carers Grant are the exception to this rule and are provided at no cost.
Eligibility
You are eligible for an assessment of Carers Needs if you are providing, or intending to provide, regular and substantial care. You do not have to live in the same house or be related to the person you look after. You are eligible for your own assessment even if the person you care for has refused an assessment or services themselves.
There are eligibility criteria to make sure that services are provided fairly to support those people who need them most.
Our eligibility criteria can be viewed here.
Contact Details
By Post
Social Care Helpdesk
Wiltshire County Council
Department of Community Services
(Adult Social Care Services)
County Hall
Trowbridge
BA14 8LE
By Email
socialcarehelpdesk@wiltshire.gov.uk
By Telephone
01225 713001
By Fax
01225 713355
| A to Z Names | Adult Carers, Carers - adult |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Adult carers |
| PID No. | 225 |
| IPSV Category | Carer support |
| Level 1 Name | Adult Carers |
| IPSV ID | 4273 |
