At some point in our lives many of us will have to look after someone we care for, if they become ill, frail or disabled. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people are unpaid carers in England and Wales, with around 6,000 people each day becoming a carer.
What does it mean to be a carer?
One of the biggest barriers for someone who provides care and support to a family member or friend is recognising themselves as a carer. Many people do not realise they are a carer. If you are, or intend to help someone who would not be able to manage daily tasks without your support, due to illness, frailty or disability, then you are a carer.
You may be looking after your partner, friend or family member, or be a couple caring and supporting each other. You may not live with the person you are looking after. You may not even live in the local area, and provide support by telephone or online (Facetime / Zoom), or travel long distances on a regular basis to provide support.
Still not sure you are a carer? Read through the statements below:
- I help someone with their budgeting and finances
- I help someone to manage their personal hygiene (washing, bathing, toileting)
- I help someone stay in contact with their family or friends, or to attend social activities
- I provide regular emotional and social support for someone (telephone calls, home visits)
- I take someone to GP or hospital appointments as they could not manage without my support
- I support someone with household chores (cleaning, laundry, ironing to ensure their home is tidy and safe)
- I make sure someone takes their medication at the right time (i.e. ordering prescriptions, giving medication)
- I help someone get around their home as they cannot manage on their own (assisting someone to use the stairs safely)
- I make sure someone has enough to eat and drink (food shopping, meal preparation, support with eating and drinking)
If you agree with one, or more of these statements, then you are a carer. Whatever your situation, if you are providing unpaid care and support (excluding volunteering), you can ask for help to support you in your caring role. There are lots of sources of information, advice and support available, including our council run Dudley Carers Hub.
Looking after your own health and wellbeing
Although caring can be a positive and rewarding experience it can also be hard work, and may seem overwhelming and emotionally draining. Carers might also experience financial difficulties, health issues of their own and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If you are feeling anxious or low in mood there is support available to help you in your caring role.
It is important to look after your own health and wellbeing and ask for help, contact Dudley Carers Hub and Wellbeing Service.
Online support for carers
Our carers online support service Bridgit, offers adult carers:
- dedicated 24/7 self-help support
- regular automated support for carers once signed up
- a signposting and connecting service for carers to local support
You might not identify as a 'carer' and that's fine. This really useful online tool is available to help find all the advice ang guidance you need and connect you to the support n your local area.
Register as a carer
According to the 2021 Census, there are approximately 32,000 unpaid carers living in Dudley Borough. If you provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour which is unpaid (not including carers allowance) you are a carer.
It is important for the council to understand the needs of our local carer population. It is also vital you access information and support to help you and you can do this by registering with Dudley Carers Hub. You can register as a carer or you can speak to one of the hub's carers advisors on 01384 818723.
Carers assessment
A carers assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss with the council your needs, requirements and feelings as a carer and what support or services you need to help you continue caring.
Carers contingency planning
If you become unwell, have an accident, or emergency, you will need to make other arrangements for care of the person you care for. It makes sense to make a contingency plan for this - just in case - in advance.
The plan should include your details, the cared for person's details, information about any medication and treatment, any medical appointments and details of who can step in during your absence.
Dudley Carers Hub has created a contingency planning toolkit, available as a download below. You can request a printed copy by calling 01384 818723.
You can also find out about developing a contingency plan and create your own 'What If' plan online.
Dudley Adult Social Care Portal
The secure way for anyone living in Dudley borough to find out all about adult social care and support, quickly and easily online. Dudley Adults Portal includes a dedicated area for carers. Carers can find information and support, including registering themselves as a carer and completing a carers self assessment online.
Young carers
If you are under the age of 18 or know someone under 18 who is helping to look after someone, that means you/they are a young carer.
You may be helping to support a parent, grandparent, sibling or other relative, who needs looking after because they are: living with a physical disability, a mental health condition, a learning disability, a drug or alcohol related illness, a sensory impairment or any long-term illness or condition. The service provide specialist advice and support for all young carers.
Dudley carers strategy
We want Dudley borough to be a place where carers are valued and have the right support to continue to care for as long as they want to. Our Dudley Carers Strategy produced by Dudley Carers Hub and local carers, sets out our vision for supporting carers whereby
‘all carers are recognised, valued and able to access personalised support that makes a difference to them so they can live a healthy and fulfilled life alongside their caring role’.
The strategy sets out our ambitions for every carer, so they can
- have a life of their own
- the choice to care and stop caring without recrimination
- equality of opportunity to life chances including education, training, work and leisure activities
You can read the strategy below.
Dudley carers alliance
Dudley Carers Alliance is all about giving carers a voice. The group is passionate about carers rights and pledges to ensure that the voice of the carer is always listened to across Dudley borough. They collect information and opinions from local carers. They share this with statutory and other organisations, both local and national, relating to carer issues. The group works in partnership with other local forums and organisations who are keen to ensure that the views of carers are represented when local services are being shaped.
The Alliance meet thorough the year. For more information, or if you would like to join the alliance contact Dudley Carers Hub on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk
Dudley Carers Voices
Are you interested in sharing your experiences and helping to a shape services for carers and the people they care for in Dudley?
Dudley Carers Voice Group (DCVG) is an independent group which works collaboratively and positively with Dudley Carers Alliance, Dudley Carers Hub and partners to ensure carers can contribute to changes and improvements in services for adult carers in Dudley.
The group meets bi-monthly on the third Thursday of each month 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Brett Young Carers Hub, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen, B63 3TB.
For more information, or if you would like to join the alliance contact Dudley Carers Hub on 01384 818723 or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk
