Know your rights
It can make your journey as a carer easier
Am I a Carer?
If you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled, has a mental health condition or substance misuse problem, because they can’t manage without you day to day, you are a Carer.
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 and the Children & Families Act 2014 strengthened the rights and and recognition of Carers in the social care system, and came into effect in April 2015.
The Care Act 2014 recognised the importance of Carers’ wellbeing including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It moves away from ‘providing services‘ and towards ‘meeting need‘ instead, which encourages diversity and individuality as each person’s needs will be individual to themselves. The Act outlines the way local authorities provide support to Carers, and how they can use other organisations such like the Carers’ Support Service to do so.
Most significantly, the Act states that all Carers who provide or intend to provide care are eligible for a Carer’s Assessment and can request one at any time.
Watch this video for more information about The Care Act 2014.
What is a Carer Assessment?
Find out all you need to know on our Carer Need Assessments page.
Caring & Working
Did you know that 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work – that’s 1 in 7 of the workforce? However, the significant demands of caring mean that 600 people give up work every day to care for an older or disabled relative. (source Carers UK 2019)
It may feel as though your world has been turned upside down when you take on a caring role for a friend or relative. Caring can be unpredictable, it can happen overnight and often cannot be planned and work is important for well-being, income and to keep social contacts.
As a working Carer you may need support at work and often different levels of support at different times. You may find that the best or only way to manage your work and caring responsibilities is to change your work arrangements. You may also need to take leave at short notice for emergencies. Employers may also be able to offer additional flexibility through their own policies and procedures. Click here for the latest flexible working guide
Flexible working patterns can allow employees to manage both work and their caring responsibilities. Flexible working could include:
- Flexible starting and finishing hours
- Working from home
- Compressed working hours e.g. work a 35 hour week over four days instead of five
- Term-time working
- Job sharing and part time working
If you are thinking of leaving work, consider whether or not you really want to, and if not, what may help you stay in work.
First think about the things you would be giving up, and whether you really want to lose them
- will you manage with less money?
- do you want to give up the independence and social contact you have through your work?
- will you lose valuable skills if you leave?
- how would leaving work affect your future pension entitlement?
Then, think about ways around the problem, could you
- make a request for flexible working?
- take a career break?
- ask for extra help from social services?
- buy in care?
Remember that employers value skilled, experienced and committed members of staff and are keen to keep them. Your employer may be able to help in ways you have not considered. Talk to them about your situation.
Remember, you can request a Carers’ Needs Assessment to see what support is available. Call us on 01472 242277.
Your Rights In Work from Carers UK
Caring & Your GP Practice
Your GP (General Practitioner) and primary care team (Practice Nurse, District Nurse, Health Visitor) can provide you with invaluable support, advice and information.
There are a few things you can do to help any healthcare professional such as your GP support you better as a Carer.
- Ask your GP or their receptionist to put you on their Carers’ Register. This is the simplest way of getting the support you may need as a Carer. Some GP practices have arrangements in place for Carers, such as a more flexible appointment booking system. You may also be contacted about flu jabs, vaccines and other services relevant to you as a Carer.
- If the person you care for is also a patient at the same practice as you, make the reception staff aware. If not, you may also want to think about letting the practice that your cared for person goes to know that they have a Carer.
- Communication is key. Be open with healthcare professionals about the impact your caring role has on you. The more they know, the better they can support you.
- All patients’ records are confidential! If you need a GP to discuss information with you about the person you care for, speak to the receptionist to find out what arrangements, if any, your practice has in place, and what you need to do to help make this happen.
There are also many services that can support you to look after your own health including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, continence advisers and dieticians which they can direct you to.
Have Your Say
Have your say at your local Carer’s Forums.
Parent Carer Forums can be found here.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005
This video explains the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how it can protect the right to make choices. For people who need the Act, their Carers, and others.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
How CQC and Carers can work together – Carers UK Presentation Oct 2020
Watch the clip to find out about the We All Care campaign from the CQC and how you can help.
Give feedback on your experiences of care (good and bad) with their online feedback form.
Get involved in their participation platform Citizen Lab
If you want to find or compare care homes, care agencies, hospitals, GPs, dentists or other care services, you can get all the information you need and read inspection reports here.
Useful Websites
Beacon provide free expert advice and affordable representation for families who are struggling to navigate the maze of NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Care Sourcer lets you compare care homes in your local area.
Carers UK gives expert information and advice that’s tailored to your situation, to champion your rights and support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.
Carers Trust give Carer’s a voice and highlight their work to the general public. We also campaign and work with politicians and policy holders to create real change for unpaid carers throughout the UK.
Disability Law Service provides free legal advice, information and representation to disabled people and their families or carers.
NHS Choices Your Guide to Care and Support Guide for people who have care and support needs, Carers and people who are planning for their future care needs.
Rights of Women A women’s charity working in a number of ways to help women through the law. Their services aim to provide women with the legal advice and information they need to understand and use the law and their legal rights.
Which? Later Life Care Free, independent and practical guidance about making care choices across the UK.
A Network Partner