Am I Unpaid Carer?
If you look after someone who, due to illness, disability, old age or mental health or addiction issues, cannot manage on their own, then you are a Carer.
Carers can be parents, partners, children, friends or neighbours and can be any age, from the very young to the very elderly.
Carers are ordinary people who simply get on with what has to be done when someone close to them needs support.
An Unpaid Carer is not someone who looks after someone else as part of their job or as a volunteer with an organisation.
Who can access the services?
If you are caring for a family member or friend and live in the Stirling Council area then you can access our services. We can provide you with support, regardless of how big your caring role is. For more information on criteria for support for Young Carers (aged 17 and under), click here.
If you are a former Carer we can provide you with support for up to two years after your caring role has ended, however please be aware that priority for services will always lie with those in an active caring role.
Why do I need to register to get support?
In order to provide you with the best support, we keep a record of your details, the details of the person you care for (if they have given consent for us to do so) and details about support that we have provided you with. This enables us to follow up an any issues you may be having, suggest other appropriate support services, and refer to other agencies (with your permission) if necessary.
We are also required to submit anonymous statistics to our funders and the Scottish Government about the services that we have provided, and this helps us to secure further funding to continue providing our services.
Because of these factors, we cannot provide services unless you are registered with us. You have the right to withdraw your registration at any time and request that your details be removed from our database.
I don’t have anyone caring for me – can I still get support from the Centre?
Stirling Carers Centre is funded to provide services to Unpaid Carers, and we are therefore unable to provide support if you do not have someone caring for you. You may be able to get support from Citizens Advice Bureau or Stirling Council’s Social Work or Income Maximisation Teams.
I don’t live in the Stirling Council Area – can I still get support?
If you live out with the area, but are caring for someone who lives within it, then you can still access practical support, however you will not be able to take part in events, activities or training.
We can provide you with details of your local Carers Centre which can give also give you support.
Can I have an appointment at home?
In certain circumstances we can come to your home for an appointment. Please contact us for more details.
During the Covid-19 pandemic all home appointments will be subject to the current government guidelines, and may be suspended in certain periods for the safety of the Carers we support and our staff.
Do I have to pay for any of the services?
No, all of our services are provided free of charge. We will never ask you to pay for any of our services.
What is a Carer Support Plan?
A Carer Support Plan is a new document that records a conversation between you and a Carer Support Officer. It looks at how your caring role impacts on you, and what support could be put in place to improve your caring situation and your own health and well-being. The Carer Support Officer will then put together an action plan to help you to get this support.
If you think you would benefit from having a Carer Support Plan completed, please contact the Centre to arrange an appointment.
What is the Forth Valley Carers Card?
The Forth Valley Carers Card is a Carer identification card that has been developed in partnership with Carers from across Forth Valley as well as Falkirk & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling Council and Clackmannanshire Council. The Card helps to ensure that Health and Social Care professionals:
– Recognise Carers
– Listen to the views of Carers
– Where appropriate, provide Carers with information to help them in their caring role
– Involve Carers as equal partners in care
You can apply for a Forth Valley Carers Card here.
What is The Carers (Scotland) Act?
The Carers Act is designed to support Carers’ health and wellbeing and help make caring more sustainable.
Since 1 April, 2018:
– local authorities have a duty to provide support to Carers, based on the Carer’s identified needs which meet the local eligibility criteria.
– all Carers are entitled to have an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement completed to identify Carers’ needs and personal outcomes. Staff at Stirling Carers Centre can complete a Carer Support Plan with you. Contact us for more details.
– local authorities are required to have an information and advice service for Carers which provides information and advice on, amongst other things, emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and Carers’ rights.
For more information about the Act and how it affects your rights, contact the Centre and speak to a Carer Support Officer.
What is the Carer’s Supplement?
From September 2018, Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid automatically to people living in Scotland and receiving Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates. The payment of £221 will be paid every six months, and will continue until the new Scottish social security agency – Social Security Scotland – takes on full responsibility for delivering Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement will not affect your other benefits or tax credits and you do not need to tell the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or your council about this payment. You may have to pay more income tax on your Carer’s Allowance Supplement, however most people do not pay tax if their income is under £11,850 a year.
If you would like to speak to someone about your entitlement or how it will affect you, call us on 01786 447 003.
