Advice and help for carers
Carer Support procedure
What qualifies a carer for support?
How do I apply for the service?
What is a carer?s assessment?
What happens next?
How much does it cost?
What are our Service standards?
What qualifies a carer for support? A carer qualifies for support if; you are the main or only carer, you have regular contact with the person, the cared for person would be at risk if you were unable to provide support or you require support to continue in your caring role. Back to top
How do I apply for the service? To apply for an assessment contact any of the following:
Livingston Social Work Centre: tel 01506 282252
Bathgate Social Work Centre 01506 776700
Broxburn Social Work Centre 01506 775666 Back to top
What is a carer?s assessment? We can visit you to discuss what your needs and wishes are and how we can help you with them. The assessment may take just one visit or it may take some time to complete. In most cases an assessment must be carried out before any service or support is recommended. The purpose of the assessment is to look at the support you provide and determine your needs as a carer. It takes into account all your own commitments ? family, work, study, housing, social life, leisure activities, your age, health, and any support already in place. Back to top
What happens next? Practical support available includes: - Information about housing, equipment and adaptations
- the home safety service which offers technology like flood/heat detectors, wandering devices, home security and careline support
- welfare benefits advice
- respite care and short breaks from caring
- who to contact in an emergency
- local carer?s support centres
- help with the support you provide
- how to arrange a needs assessment for the person you are supporting.
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How much does it cost? There are no charges for information and assessments. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be asked to help pay for some expensive services or equipment (such as a ground floor bathroom extension to a house that you own). It is your choice whether to use these services or not, and who should provide you with the service. Back to top
What are our Service standards? We aim to ensure that: - The assessment takes place when and where it suits you
- you can have a male or female assessor
- if you prefer, the person you care for can be present
- you can have a friend or advocate with you
- someone to translate or sign for you can be arranged
- we will visit you within 6 weeks from the date you first contacted us, or 7 days if high priority
- you will be given a copy of the written assessment
- with your permission, we will share information with other agencies like housing and health to ensure you get all the help you need
- we will arrange for any equipment or adaptations you need
- you can ask for a new assessment at any time if your needs change
Respite Care
The CHCP has a range of respite / short break provision offering carers of adults and older people over age 65 years the opportunity to have a break from their normal caring routine.
Such breaks may be accommodated in a variety of ways including offering a short break within a residential setting such as a care home or dedicated respite unit, day care or within the community.
Respite Accounts:
A more recent development has been the creation of 'respite accounts' which may following a social work assessment be made available to those living at home with dementia being supported by a carer.
This new provision having been created in direct response to views expressed by carers, affords those with dementia and their carer the opportunity to arrange their own short breaks. Thus allowing the individuals concerned scope to determine for themselves the timing, type and location of their short break.
Further details on how to access a 'respite account' and the opportunities it can offer can be obtained by phoning 01506 775666 during normal office hours, if the person with dementia is under 65 years of age or alternatively by calling 01506 776700 if they are over aged 65 years.
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