We know that the work carried out by unpaid family carers keeps the health and social care system going. Recognising that, the Government has published specific guidance to help you to keep safe and well while continuing with your caring role. It covers advice regarding emergency plans and what to do about your caring role if you, anyone you live with, or the person you care for, has coronavirus symptoms or is in a clinically vulnerable group.
A number of calls have been made by people pretending to be from Hertfordshire Age UK.
The Hertfordshire County Council Adults with Disabilities Services has provided information regarding a temporary change in availability for some of its Day Services.
We know that there is a lot of information circulating online and offline about the COVID-19 pandemic and it can be hard to know what is accurate and what to trust. People are being reminded to be mindful of fake information and news, particularly at the moment, and we have some tips from the Government about what to look out for.
After carers contacted us with concerns about the new Coronavirus Act 2020 that reduce the statutory duties of local authorities to carry out needs assessments of unpaid carers and those requiring care and replaces them with powers to meet need, when necessary during the pandemic. We contacted Hertfordshire County Council about how this might impact on social care for adults in Hertfordshire.
Unpaid carers that receive Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid the Allowance if they have a temporary break in their caring role due to either them or the person they care for self-isolating or being infected with coronavirus. Plus emotional support will also count towards as part of the 35 hours of care a week requirement.
