What is a carer?
- Becoming a carer is an important and rewarding role. Carers provide support to people who need help with daily living due to age, illness, or disability. You may already be in the role of carer. For example, you may be caring for an elderly loved one or family member.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a person who cannot cope without help. This person may be a family member, friend, or neighbour. This could involve:
- Helping with personal care, such as washing.
- Supporting with cooking and household tasks.
- Providing companionship and emotional support.
- Helping with appointments or managing medication.
If you think you may become or already are a carer, follow these steps:
- Identify your role. Recognise that you are taking on caring duties, even if you are helping a loved one.
- Get a carer's assessment. Contact us by phone on 020 8901 2680 to request a carer’s assessment. This is a free assessment. It aims to understand your needs as a carer and to identify what support is available to you. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive a personal budget or carer's grant. This will provide you with financial support.
- Access training and support. After the assessment, you will be assigned a social worker. Together, you will discuss your support needs. They may direct you to charities that offer free training. It can help you learn skills like first aid or managing medications.
- Look after yourself. Caring can be demanding. Prioritise your well-being. Take advantage of available support services.
Caring for someone is a big responsibility, but you are not alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
BetterCare Support – Carers self-assessment
We’ve teamed up with BetterCare Support to help you assess your care needs. The service helps to connect you to the right services and advice. It tailors suggestions and help to match your needs. BetterCare Support allows you to have:
- More control over your assessment.
- The ability to complete it at any time, 24/7, at your own pace.
- The chance to involve others in the process.
- Links to suggested resources.
You will see the support you need, if any, through step-by-step videos. You will be able to refer yourself to our Adult Social Care team for a full assessment if needed.
Start your Carer self-assessment
The Carers self-assessment will look at the support you need. To complete an assessment you will need to:
- Register for a BetterCare Support account
Once signed in to your account, you can begin your assessment. You will be asked about your health, support needs, and your current situation.
Register to begin your self-assessment
If you want to refer someone for Adult social care on their behalf, you can request a care needs assessment.