If you care for an adult who is elderly, sick or who has a disability, you may be eligible to receive support in your caring role following a carer's assessment. This includes respite care for the person you look after (also known as 'short breaks'). Respite care provides a break from caring for you, and/or time away in a supportive environment for the person you care for.
If you are caring for someone who already receives community care services from the council, then the social worker will also arrange for an assessment of your needs.
If the person you are caring for is not known to the council and isn't currently receiving services, contact the Central Duty Team to request an assessment of their needs and of your needs as a carer.
Once you make a referral, we will do an assessment to decide whether or not you (and the person you care for) are eligible to receive services. We use Department of Health guidance 'Fair Access to Care Services' to work out eligibility.
You can also get advice about services available to carers from the carers support team.
