New to Caring

If you have recently taken on caring responsibilities for the first time, or your caring role has become more demanding and you need more help, here are some areas of support that could help you.

Assessments of need

Assessments for the person you support

The person you care for may be entitled to help from Adult Care Services, including things such as personal care, adaptations or equipment for the home. Having their needs assessed (called a Needs Assessment or Social Care Assessment) is a very important step in making sure you have the help available from statutory services. After the assessment you will be told what services are available and any charges involved. A ‘care package’ can then be set up with your agreement and that of the person you care for. If your caring role changes and/or the needs of the person you care for become greater, then a re-assessment can be requested.

Assessments for you

If you are caring for an adult (18+) or about to start caring for an adult, you will be entitled to have a Carer’s Assessment under the Care Act 2014 if you appear to have needs. This is your opportunity to talk to a member of Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services (ACS) staff about your caring role and how it impacts on your life. It will look at among other things; potential help with breaks from your caring role, support through providing services, and help to plan for the future and emergencies.

An assessment can be requested through the County Council’s call centre on 0300 123 4042 or on their website.

If you find any of this process a bit daunting, or hit difficulties, we can help – please just get in touch.

Tell your GP you are a carer

It is important that you register as a carer with your GP surgery. If your surgery is aware that you have caring responsibilities, it should enable the team there to support you more fully. For example, appointments can be arranged at more suitable times, you can be offered a free flu vaccination and have your own health monitored. Ask to speak to your GP surgery’s Carers’ Champion.

Look after your own health

Carers often neglect their own health as they focus on the needs of the person they care for. Caring can be stressful, so be aware of this and look for activities that help you relax and take time out and for sources of emotional support to you personally – and use them. It is not selfish to do so but a necessary part of maintaining your own health. Find out how our free Carers Development and Learning courses and workshops could help.

Carers can hurt themselves by moving the person they care for incorrectly. If you are struggling, it may be that Adult Care Services need to provide more services, so don’t be afraid to ask for a re-assessment of the situation. There may also be courses to enable you to learn effective and safe moving and handling techniques.

Don’t ignore your own health issues. If you feel unwell visit your doctor and don’t put it off for another time.

Take a Break

Services can sometimes be provided to enable you to have a short break from caring. Someone will stay with the person you care for while you go out for a while or take a few hours to do something that you enjoy. This may be for a few hours but can sometimes be longer. Contact us for more information on sitting services in your area.

Respite care over a longer period can be provided to give you a break from your caring role – maybe for a holiday. This could be arranged at home by an increase in the regular care package being provided. Alternatively, a temporary stay in a residential home could be arranged for the person you care for while you have your break. It is possible to privately arrange a stay in a residential or nursing home or for a care agency to visit at home, but this can be very expensive, so in most cases it is advisable to contact ACS and ask them to assess the situation and arrange the care. There is still likely to be a charge, but this will be based on the financial situation of the person you care for.

Benefit Entitlement

You may be entitled to benefits as a carer. Find out more about the available benefits and who is eligible on the Carers UK.

Turn2Us also offer an online benefits calculator.

Advice, Information, Support

Our team of Carers Support Advisors are available on the phone (01992 58 69 69) and by email (contact@carersinherts.org.uk) to help with any aspect of your caring role.

We offer a 1 to 1 phone conversation where we can help you plan your caring role and find the right support for your situation. You may find it helpful to talk to other carers in similar situations, or to simply take some time out for yourself to have a chat with other people. There may be Carer Support Hub groups meeting in your area. Upcoming sessions are listed on our Events page.

We also hold information on what’s available in your area from the many organisations in Hertfordshire which provide help and support to carers.

Whatever your query related to caring, give us a call and we’ll do our best to help.

Useful websites

Gov.uk
Lots of useful information including on all state benefits

Carers UK and Carers Trust
Both websites have information on all matters related to caring.
Carers UK has published a booklet specifically for people new to caring.

Hertfordshire County Council
Useful local information and contact numbers. They also have a specific area of their website for carers.