The Carers' Act 1995 aims to make sure Social Services
listen to carers and offer the help needed. It gives a carer the right to an individual
assessment of the care given, and of their ability and willingness to continue providing
care.
Carers have to ask for an assessment when the person being cared for is being assessed -
one will not necessarily be offered automatically. If services are offered as a result,
they will normally be provided to the person being cared for, but they should indirectly
help the carer as well.
To qualify for an assessment, a carer must be providing a regular and substantial amount
of care on a regular basis (as far as the carer is concerned). Potential carers are
also entitled to an assessment if they are likely to be providing care in the near future.
Carers do not have to be living with the cared-for person, nor do they have to be the only
carer involved. Carers who are children can also be assessed. (People who provide care as
a volunteer for an organisation, or for pay, are not entitled to an assessment.)The Carers
and Disabled Children Act 2000 came into force in 2001 and extends this right to
carers of people who, although eligible for services, do not wish for an assessment of
their needs.
It implements part of the National Strategy for Carers, the aim of which is to improve
access to help and support for carers, so that you can continue in your caring role and
maintain your health and well being.
The Carers and Disabled Children Act can benefit:
- 16 and 17 year old disabled young people
- Carers (aged 16 and over) who care for someone aged 18 or over
- People with parental responsibilities for a disabled child
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