Looking after an older relative can be a fun, interesting and rewarding experience. However, it can also create emotional, practical and financial challenges. If you have chosen to care for an elderly relative, then it is important to know what support and assistance is available to you. This can help you to provide the best care for that person.
Getting a Support Needs Assessment
An elderly or vulnerable adult may request a care and support needs assessment from their local authority. This is carried out by the adult social services department. The assessment will help to identify the needs of the individual and consider how these needs can be met. If the person is eligible, the local authority may be able to help to provide some of the support that is required. Following a care and support needs assessment, the authority must provide the subject with a copy of the final assessment.
Although the suggestions which are provided may help people to care for their elderly relative at home, it is possible that the assessment may recommend care be provided in a care home. Unless there is a severe risk to life, the local authority will not force you to put your relative into a home without their consent.
- More in-depth information on a care and support needs assessment can be found on this page of the NHS website.
Getting a Carer’s Assessment
According to the Care Act of 2014, any carer who wants or needs additional support to provide care may request a carer’s assessment from their local authority. During the assessment, the carer will have the opportunity to have a detailed discussion with a trained professional from the authority. The assessment will cover the support that may be available to help with care and how the caring role may affect the carer’s work and family life. It is important to be honest during the assessment, or else you may end up receiving inadequate support.
As part of the assessment, the professionals who are involved may help you to draw up a support plan. This plan will help you to manage the support that you provide and will help to reduce the impact of becoming a carer. The support which is provided by the authority can be as varied as help with your housework or tools to make it easier for you to keep in touch with your friends. You should also be given advice on support that is available from third parties.
- Further information on a carer’s assessment can be read on the NHS website.
The benefits of caring in your own home
Caring for a relative in your own home can be beneficial to both parties. Many people who need care are still able to provide useful skills to you. An older relative may still be able to help you with childcare or some household chores. Having an extra pair of eyes around the home can be particularly valuable if you spend all day out at work. Older people will also enjoy the opportunity to bond with all members of the household. They may also help to contribute towards the household bills. This can be useful for people who need a little bit more financial support to help them to run their home.
How caring can affect Social Benefits
Moving in with an older person or having that person move in with you may have an effect on any financial benefits that you receive. If you have been given a single person deduction, the presence of another adult can take your council tax fees back up to the full value. The presence of another adult may also affect any housing benefit that your receive. Always speak to your local authority about the change of circumstances, so that they can recalculate your benefits accordingly. Failing to notify the authority of a change of circumstances may be classified as benefits fraud. On the other hand, you may also be entitled to a carer’s allowance for the work that you are doing for your relative. It is important to consider these implications, even though you will have plenty of other things on your mind.
Local support groups and carer’s breaks
There are thousands of local groups around the country which aim to provide friendship networks and advice for local carers. These resources are invaluable, because they are run and populated by people who are in a similar position. They often run social events and outings which can help to reduce the sense of isolation which is felt by some home carers.
There are also a number of national charities which work to provide carers with short breaks. As well as providing some funds for the holiday, these charities also work to provide suitable respite care for the elderly person. It is recommended that carer’s take advantage of these offers, because part time and full time care can be emotionally and physically draining. A small break away from caring can help to improve the mental health of the carer.