Carers in touch

Every day, another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility – that’s more than two million people annually.

Carers save the economy £132 billion a year, an average of £19,336 a carer, and more than three million juggle work with care. However, many carers don’t know where to find the help and support to which they are entitled. Thousands of people fail to claim their £64.60 weekly carer’s allowance.

The 2019 Carers UK guide, Looking after Someone, contains advice about where to get help and information about the challenges of caring, from making difficult decisions to

looking after your own health and wellbeing.

One way to get help and support is through an assessment by the local authority social services department. Both you and the person you care for can have a needs assessment, no matter the level of need, the amount of care you provide or your financial means.

Upfront is a free online tool that can help you get straight to the information you need – visit www. carersuk.org/upfront to find out more.

Family members often become carers when someone comes out of hospital and it’s important to ensure that a discharge assessment is done before a person leaves hospital.

Different types of equipment, adaptations

and technology can help carers. Equipment can involve monitoring devices positioned throughout the home to detect if there is a problem, such as a person having a fall.

When several members of a family share caring responsibilities, often from a distance, it can be hard to keep everyone up to date with information. Carers UK Jointly is a mobile and online app designed to keep people connected

as they share care. It includes group messaging, task management, shared calendar, profile and contacts pages and medication management. Visit www.jointlyapp.com

Financial problems are common for carers, especially when a person gives up work to take on a caring role. Get a personalised benefits check online – visit www.turn2us. org.uk/findbenefits-grants