Support for carers
London Borough of Bexley provides social care services for people who need help to manage at home.
We provide help for carers too. We know that family and friends give most of the care that is needed - so we also want to support anyone who is a carer with their caring tasks.
Who is a carer?
You are a carer if you are a relative or a friend of someone who needs help with their care. This can be practical help, such as help with personal care including washing, dressing and feeding. Or it can be help which makes sure they do not put themselves at risk by wandering, leaving the gas on or forgetting to eat properly. Alternatively it may be providing companionship to help prevent loneliness and depression.
We help both children and adults. They may have any kind of disability, such as mental health problems, physical or learning disabilities, or be frail because of their age.
Rights for carers
In Bexley we already ask carers how we can support them. The Government Acts for Carers states,. Anyone who 'provides or intends to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis' can ask for a separate assessment of their needs by social services.
If you regularly care for someone or expect to care for someone who is eligible for community care services, you have the right to ask for an assessment. This is an opportunity to discuss what help you need and what would help you stay well.
Support services for carers
The London Borough of Bexley already provides services to help carers, including:
- Advice and information
- Flexible breaks for carers
- Respite care to give carers a break
- Carers' groups, drop ins and carers counselling.
Voluntary groups also provide help for carers and we can put you in touch with them.
For a directory of services for carers please email info@carerssupport.org or telephone 020 8302 8011.
If you or someone you know would like information in another language you can contact us so we can arrange an interpreting service.
What next?
People already in contact with social services:
If you are a carer and would like more information, or you want to talk about the support you need and the person you support has a social worker or care manager please discuss this with the worker.
If you are not already in touch with social services:
If you are a carer and would like more information and advice please contact Bexley Carers Services on 01322 338582, who will discuss your situation with you and the options that may be available in getting the help you need..
