Caring Together in North East Lincolnshire

This Caring Together information explains what you as a Carer can expect from North East Lincolnshire Community Care Directorate.  It includes information about your rights to assessment.

Are You a Carer?

We call someone a Carer, who without payment, provides substantial and regular help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour, who would not otherwise be able to remain at home, because of frailty, illness or disability. 

The term Carer does not include care worker or care staff of any kind who are paid to provide care as part of employment.  It also excludes volunteers and foster carers.

The person must also want to be recognised as a Carer.
 

What does Substantial and Regular Care mean?

Substantial care relates to the nature of the task and degree of involvement.

Caring relates to the following tasks:

•  Practical support e.g. laundry, shopping, domestic help.
   
•  Personal care/medication e.g. bathing, toileting, feeding
  
•  Supervision/safety/risk management
  
•  Emotional and social support to alleviate anxiety, depression, isolation

Regular care relates to the frequency that care is provided.

• Regular care would be a carer living in the same household or, if living separately, providing care a minimum of twice a week for 20 hours or more.
  
• This may be cumulative if a carer is caring for more than one person
  
• An individual may be being cared for by more than one person and each individual carer must meet the criteria.

What is a Carers' Assessment and how do I get one?

The Carers Act places a duty on Local Authorities to consider the carer's ability and willingness to provide care.  You are entitled to an assessment of your own needs as a carer; separate from the needs of the person you are caring for.  This helps us in the Community Care Directorate to understand your needs as a carer and to provide better services in the future.

Can I get practical help and support in my caring role?

North East Lincolnshire Council Community Care Directorate are committed to offering assistance and support to both Carers and the person being cared for.

This can be provided in a variety of ways, advice about services, assessment, care in the home, day care services, short stay residential placements (Respite care). 

How do I get in touch?

If you want to request an assessment, speak to someone about services or have any other issues around your role as a Carer or concerns about the person you are caring for please ring North East Lincolnshire Council Community Care Directorate.

The number to ring is  (01472) 325181.  Ask to speak to an Advice Officer who will be pleased to give advice or direct you to the appropriate person or agency.

Other Forms of Information

If you would like to receive this information in another language or in another format such as large print, Braille or on audio tape, please contact

Complaints and Communications on (01472) 325534, or email communitycare@nelincs.gov.uk

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