If you are providing regular care for an adult or child who is ill, frail or has a disability, you are legally entitled to a support plan.
Hear more from the Carers Support Service Team Carer Coordinator on what your rights are in the video below:
Carers’ support plans are sometimes still referred to as carers’ assessments.
What is a carer’s support plan?
A carer’s support plan, gives you an opportunity to talk to a staff Trust member about your caring situation. In the video below the Service Carer Coordinator explains more:
How to get a carer’s support plan
If a Trust member of staff is organising support for the person you care for, you can request a carer’s support plan meeting through them.
Alternatively, you can contact the Carers Support Service or fill in a carer’s support plan referral form.
Your carer’s support plan meeting
A carer’s support plan meeting gives you an opportunity to talk to a Trust member of staff about your caring situation. You can discuss:
- the care and support you provide
- how caring affects your physical and emotional wellbeing
- what you find difficult
- any concerns you have about the future
- what support you may need to continue caring
From this meeting, a carer’s support plan will be developed for you.
How to prepare for your carer’s support plan meeting
You should keep a diary for a few weeks before your carer’s support plan meeting. Take note of what you do to help the person you care for and list any concerns you have.
You may wish to arrange the meeting so the person you care for is not there. Some carers can talk more freely in that situation.
You should be open and honest during your carer’s support plan meeting. You can share your feelings and difficulties. The staff member is there to listen and help you.
You will later be given a copy of the agreed support plan. Please ask for a copy if it is not offered.
How will a carer’s support plan help me?
Talking to a staff member can help you think more clearly about your caring role. It may also help you get more practical help and support. This help may be provided by us or other organisations.
Available help may include:
- information, advice and emotional support
- contact with carer support groups
- support with practical tasks
- breaks from caring
- educational courses
- complementary therapies
- relaxation days for carers
Reviewing your carer’s support plan
Your carer’s support plan will be reviewed once a year to see if it is meeting your needs. You can ask for your plan to be reviewed at any time, especially if the demands of your caring role change.
Hear from carers on the help and support provided by Carer Support Plans (Carer Assessments).