Carers are being encouraged to see if they are entitled to financial help and other sources of support, as many are working without any real assistance in hugely challenging unpaid roles. This is what carers should know about the help that may be available to them.
What is a carer?
When we think about carers, we might automatically think about the sorts of jobs advertised in care assistant jobs Galway. Such roles are available from homecare experts such as Caremark.
However, many carers are simply unpaid and unrecognised in their roles because they care for family members or friends. Carers should contact their local council to ask for a free care assessment. This establishes your role as a carer, considers how it affects and impacts your life, and establishes what kind of support you are entitled to.
Who can get a carer’s assessment?
Any carer aged over 18 who is providing unpaid and regular care for another person is entitled to a carer’s assessment.
What practical help is available to unpaid carers?
Local councils can offer practical help that reduces the burden on unpaid carers, some of whom may even be aged under 18 and therefore eligible for more intensive help and support. For example, councils can organise respite care, to give unpaid carers a break or offer extra support to the individual who needs the care.
What financial help is there?
There are opportunities to make National Insurance contributions so that you don’t miss out on your state pension. Your local council or Citizens Advice Bureau can advise on further benefits you may be entitled to.
What other rights are there for carers?
Carers also have the right to request flexible working, not be subject to discrimination, take time off for their caring responsibilities and get one week of unpaid care leave annually.
The message for carers has to be to check all sources of available help, to ensure you are accessing what you are entitled to in your challenging unpaid carer role.