Carers
Who is a carer?
"Carers are relatives, friends or neighbours who look after someone who cannot manage without help, because of sickness, age or disability." (Carers National Assoc.)
Do you look after someone who:
- Is an older person
- Has a physical disability
- Is frail
- Has an illness
- Has a learning disability
- Has mental health difficulties
- Has an addiction to a drug or alcohol related problem
If so, Social Care may be able to help you.
Social Care recognises the invaluable work undertaken by carers and that caring for a friend, relative or parent can be both difficult and demanding.
Carers are ordinary people of every age, class, race and religion. Some carers look after someone for a few hours per week, while others perform a caring role 24 hours a day, every day.
It is very important that your needs as a carer are recognised and that assistance is available should you require it.
If you need help with certain tasks or:
- you are unwell
- you are tired and need a rest
- you need someone to listen and advise
- you just need some time to yourself
Social Care can help you.
What an assessment is
If you feel that you fit into any of these categories and are providing care on a regular basis, you can ask for an assessment. This will involve meeting with a social worker either in your own home or in their office to discuss your circumstances with you.
Contact the Duty Social Worker on 01595 744421
A social worker will contact you and arrange a meeting to discuss your needs.
Services available to carers are:
- single shared assessments
- support and advice for individuals, carers & families
- respite care
- Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme
- specialist respite care (for people with dementia)
- day care
- home care
- training (stress management, benefits advice, etc)
- aids and adaptations
- specialist support for young carers
For further information and groups that may be of assistance to you, click here or on the Other Organisations link.
Caring for someone is a Government website giving comprehensive information on Caring and support services:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/index.htm
A Young Carers page is available if you click on the link, on the right.
Carers Leaflet
Shetland's Carer Information Strategy: 2011-2014
Draft Carers' Strategy & Draft Carers' Information Strategy 2005
If you would like copies of either of the above documents, please click on the links below.
Carers Information Strategy 2005