Carers Rights Day
Published on 24 November 2021 12:07 PM
Carers Rights Day was set up to bring various organisations together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.
As our population grows older, more and more people are taking on caring roles – many of whom are in later life themselves. According to Age UK National’s research, there are now over 2 million carers aged 65 and over; 417,000 of who are aged 80 and over. (1)
Know your rights
According to Carers UK, two thirds of UK adults can expect to care unpaid for a loved one in their lifetime, so it’s important that if you’re caring for somebody, you know your rights:
- Carer’s Assessment – Anyone over 18 providing unpaid care is entitled to a free carer’s assessment from their local county council to assess what support can be provided to them.
- Carer’s Allowance - Carer's Allowance (CA) is paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week providing regular care to someone who is ill or has a disability. You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for to receive Carer’s Allowance.
- Flexible Working - As an unpaid carer you have a right to request flexible working, time off in emergencies and parental leave. The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives all employees the right to take a 'reasonable' amount of time off work in order to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. (2)
How Age UK Norfolk can help you
If you are providing unpaid care to someone, whether that’s a loved one, relative or friend, you can speak to our Information and Advice Help Line where our specially trained advisers are ready to help you with accredited independent advice:
- We can help answer any queries you may have about your rights as a carer, including how to request a carer’s assessment
- We can help identify any financial entitlements and provide practical assistance with applications for benefits such as Carers Allowance
- Help you to source information about activities, groups and respite in your local area
- Provide you with our Befriending service; a friendly, regular phone call just for you. Whether you want to have a nice chat or just need somebody to listen, we’re here for you
To speak to our Advisers, please contact our Help line on 0300 500 1217 or advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk – open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.
To speak to our Befriending team, please call 01603 785 223 or email befriending@ageuknorfolk.org.uk