Help with caring

Carers look after family, partners and friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The help they provide is unpaid.

It doesn't matter whether the person you care for is an adult, a child or elderly - or if they live with you or not - you are still a carer.

There are many circumstances which may lead you to call on outside help. You may simply be exhausted. You may find certain aspects or tasks of caring difficult. Your own circumstances may have changed - you may be in poor health yourself; caring may be affecting your work; you may find it difficult to find time for other family commitments. The illness or condition of the person you care for may have worsened. You may feel that carrying out certain tasks is not appropriate to the nature of the relationship with the person you care for - for example, a mother may not want her son to bath her.

Whatever your situation you should not have to cope on your own. Here are the questions carers most frequently ask Carers Scotland about help with caring.

What help is available?
There is a range of help available to make caring easier such as getting help with practical tasks, arranging a break from caring, adapting your home and getting the most from your GP
Your guide to a carer's assessment
Carers have a legal right to an assessment of their needs. The purpose of a carer's assessment is for you as a carer to discuss with social services what help you need with caring as well as any help that would maintain your own health, and balance caring with other aspects of your life such as work and family commitments.
Will I be charged for services?
Some services arranged by the social work department can be charged for
How do I get a break from caring?
There is a range of help which can give you a much needed break from caring, including care at home and residential care
What support is there when the person I look after is coming out of hospital?
Carers should be involved in all decisions when the person they look after is coming out of hospital from the time they are first admitted to making sure there is the right support when they are back home.
How do I challenge decisions and make a complaint?
You may wish to challenge decisions about what care will be provided, including care put in place after a patient is discharged from hospital. You may wish to complain about the quality of care provided. You may wish to challenge the amount that is being charged for services.
Carers rights and the law
This comprehensive Guide provides information on the law relating to a range of issues affecting unpaid carers including assessments, paying for care and flexible working. It also forms part of a continued campaign to promote carers rights and achieve real change and equality for carers.

Page Last Modified: 16/06/2008

Help with caring

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