The Care Act 2014 simplifies, consolidates and improves existing legislation for carers. For the first time the legislation puts carers on an equal legal footing to those they care for. The Care Act defines a carer as:
“an adult who provides or intends to provide care for another adult (“adult needing care")
The Act has great implications for carers, as it places new duties on local councils in the way they provides care and support to adults with care and support needs,their carers and families.
The Act mainly relates to adult carers (over the age 18 years) who are caring for another adult, as parent carers caring for a child and young carers are covered under the Children and Families Act 2014. However, the Act does make provision for a young carer or an adult carer of a disabled child to request an assessment of their caring needs in advance for the young carer or disabled child reaching 18 years.
Under the Care Act, unpaid carers are now recognised in law and are entitled to a carers’ assessment on the basis of an appearance of a need for support, which is a result of the care they are providing.
Following an assessment, a carer maybe eligible for support, based on the new national eligibility rules.
Carers may be eligible for support even if the person they care for, are not eligible for support or choose not to receive support..
For more information regarding carers assessments contact the Carers Network on 01384 818723 or email carers.network@dudley.gov.uk
See more on The Care Act here
Find out more about carers assessments at Carers UK
ABOUT US
STAY INFORMED