Finding out who to speak to and where to gain the specific information you need can be a time-consuming and often frustrating experience for carers.

Adult Social Care can help by directly providing information and by putting you in touch with relevant local and national services or organisations.

Carers' Assessments

A carer's assessment is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and the care you provide. This includes looking at the impact of your caring responsibilities upon your life and identifying what information or support you require.

All carers have a legal right to a carer's assessment if they 'provide or intend to provide a regular and substantial amount of care'.

Short Breaks

Taking a break from your caring role may be important to enable you to have some time for yourself. Without an occasional break your own health could suffer.

Care services provided to the person you normally care for while you have a break could include:

• Assistance and support at home with daily living activities
• An increase in existing care services provided.
• Day care services
• A short stay in a care home

Care Services

You may not wish to continue with undertaking all or some of the care you provide.

Adult Social Care may be able to provide services to the person you care for. Services offered are dependent upon the specific needs identified during the assessment. You can opt for Direct Payments as a way of accessing care services. For more information, please see Direct Payments for Carers.

If Adult Social Care cannot directly provide services, you and the person you care for will be helped to obtain alternative sources of support. This may include for example, help from health services or voluntary agencies.

Equipment and Adaptations

You may be assisting the person you care for with daily living activities such as getting in or out of bed.

Building upon your knowledge and understanding of the person you care for, occupational therapy services can provide information and guidance. This includes enabling you to develop your skills and have the appropriate equipment to assist with the task.

The aim is to make everyday activities easier and safer for both you and the person you care for.