What you need to know first
The journey of caring for someone in need can be a long one. As their needs change, the types of services required to support both them and you in providing care may vary.
Contacting your GP - The Care Act 2014
The Care Act gives adult unpaid carers the right to receive support and protection from their local authority.
The primary way to get this support is through a carer’s assessment.
As an unpaid carer, let your GP know that you are looking after someone and ask your GP for a referral for a carer’s assessment.
By telling your GP that you are an unpaid carer, that role will be recorded on your notes – which means you will get additional help and support to manage your own health and well-being.
If you look after an adult who can’t manage without your help, you have a right to have your own needs assessed.
Contact adult social services at your local council and ask for a carer’s assessment.
A carer’s assessment looks at:
- The care you provide and how this affects your life
- Ways you can access support and what you would like to achieve
- Your strengths and capabilities
- Types of support available to you in the community
No barriers to support - Crossroads Care Surrey
We don’t want there to be any barriers to support, so…
- Crossroads Care Surrey welcomes referrals from any unpaid carers themselves or any members of their wider community network, including friends, family members or health professionals
- We can help regardless of where the carer is in their journey. Often, the earlier we can provide advice and support, the better
- We can signpost other services that may be able to boost their support even further
- We can refer carers for a carer’s assessment if they need an ongoing package of support
All of this is done with the full input of the carer (and other family members, where relevant). We’re all about doing what’s best for unpaid carers across Surrey, as we know what a hugely valuable job they do. Our aim is for carers to feel supported and rested to carry on doing what they do, for as long as possible.
