A Carers Rights
Under section 10 of The Care Act 2014, carers can be eligible for support in their own right via a carers assessment of their needs. The threshold is based on the impact their caring role has on their wellbeing. Being a carer is an often difficult but rewarding role and it is always important for carers to ensure they also have sound support mechanisms in place. Having undertaken numerous carers assessments, the importance of carers being assessed is important even if only just to provide a moment of reflection on the extent of the caring role, tasks involved and the impact of caring on ones own health and well-being. Recognising the importance of the carer being cared for is paramount, if the objective is continue in that capacity for as long as possible. There are numerous occasions when I have observed the stressful impact of caring; to the extent that the frazzled carer presents as unwell, while the vulnerable adult is in the best of health and well-being, due to the continued hard work and dedication of carers to ensure and maximise their welfare. There are numerous carers support networks to providing forums of emotional support and reassurance that other carers share similar experiences. Taking time out for yourself is essential because it provides opportunity to recharge batteries and sustain the invaluable role carers play. Above all acknowledgement of the amazing role undertaken by carers is essential and was very much an essential aspect of my role as a social worker, as carers are often unsung hero’s who rarely hear their praises sung. Under section 10 of The Care Act, carers can be eligible for support in their own right via a carers assessment of their needs. The threshold is based on the impact their caring role has on their wellbeing
“The Care Bill in many respects marks a quiet revolution in our attitudes towards, and expectations of, carers. At last, carers will be given the same recognition, respect and parity of esteem with those they support. Historically, many carers have felt that their roles and their own well-being have been undervalued and under-supported. Now we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to be truly acknowledged and valued as expert partners in care” Dame Philippa Russell, Chair, Standing Commission on Carers.
Who is a Carer ?
A carer is someone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend, in their day-to-day life. This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally, or through a voluntary organisation. The Care Act relates mostly to adult carers – people over 18 who are caring for another adult. This is because young carers (aged under 18) and adults who care for disabled children can be assessed and supported under children’s law. However, the regulations under the Act allow us to make rules about looking at family circumstances when assessing an adult’s need for care, which means, for example, making sure that the position of a young carer within a family would not be overlooked. The Act also makes new rules about working with young carers, or adult carers of disabled children, to plan an effective and timely move to adult care and support
