Information for carers

A carer is someone who regularly looks after a relative, friend or neighbour who, because of disability, age or frailty would otherwise experience significant difficulties living independently.

Many adults are carers but there are young people under the age of 18 who are also carers. Carers are unpaid although they may receive the Carers Allowance. Sometimes they are called family or informal carers to distinguish them from care workers, who are paid.

About 1 in 10 of the population is a carer. People who care for others do not need to live with the person they care for to be recognised as a carer.

Which carers do we help?

Community Care Services aims to ensure that all carers get the information, advice and support they need.

We are one of the funders of The Princess Royal Trust Carers Service. The Carers Service provides information and emotional support to all carers, living in the Wokingham Borough, who approach them. The first point of call for every carer should be The Princess Royal Trust Carers Service.

Community Care Services can provide breaks and services to carers of people who are eligible to receive services from us. Find out more information about eligibility criteria for social care services.

We take into account the carer's situation when looking at the needs of and making decisions about the person being cared for. 

Carer's assessment

Carers have a right to a carer's assessment. We have a duty to consider the impact that caring has on the carer's health and well-being, employment, study and leisure interests when carrying out an assessment.  If the carer wishes to continue caring, we look at the help that they may need to help them continue.

Carers also have the right to a carer's assessment when the person they care for has refused an assessment or refused to receive services.