Carers and support

If you are somebody who looks after your family, partners or friends who need help because they are ill, frail or have a disability, you are a carer. The care you provide is unpaid.

There are around 40,000 people in Edinburgh who are providing care (Census 2001). Of these 20% provide 50 hours or more a week. This can place significant demands on individuals and their families and can often lead to carers themselves developing health problems.

If you are a carer who provides ‘substantial and regular’ care, you have a right to an assessment of your needs. This can be arranged by contacting Social Care Direct on 0131 200 2324. The aim of this assessment is to:-

• identify the level of care you are providing and talk over whether or not this is sustainable
• identify the resources that are needed in order to support you to continue caring and also to maintain your own health and well-being.

If you want, a carer's assessment can be undertaken separately from, or jointly with the assessment of the person you are caring for.

Useful links to local and city wide carers organisations which provide information, advice, training courses, breaks from caring, group support, counselling and advocacy and carer forums.

Carers self assessment form (pdf - 44kb)

Towards 2012 joint action plan for carers and the NHS Lothian Carer Information Strategy

Key areas of interest to Carers.

Short breaks (respite), Equipment and adaptations, Direct Payments , Re-ablement Service (help following discharge from hospital etc)

New short break opportunities for older people - a leaflet about monies available for you to arrange your own short breaks to suit you and the person you care for.

Still not what you're looking for? See the Social Care page for links to other services.

A carer's guide to carer's assessments (400 kB)

Outreach - Care for carers leaflet (147 kB)