Borders Carers Centre
  • Home
    • CARERS
    • PROFESSIONALS
  • Contact
  • Home
    • CARERS
    • PROFESSIONALS
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Carers Act - what does it mean for Professionals?

The Carers Act became law in 2016 and was implemented in April 2018.  It is reflective of Scotland’s vision to build a better, fairer society for all.   The intention of the Act is to maximise opportunities and minimise negative impacts so as to allow carers to have a life alongside caring.

The wording ‘regular and substantial’ has been removed, as the first Duty is to ensure that every carer is offered a support plan which is recognised as the mechanism through which needs for support are monitored and managed.

It is your responsibility to ensure that this happens.  

The Carers Centre carry out the Carers Support Plans on behalf of Scottish Borders Council.  To make a referral, please ask the carers' permission, then contact us.  

We will do the rest.
A number of duties have been place on Health and the Local Authorities:

In co-production with carers

Duty
Hows and Whys
To offer an Adult Carer Support Plan/
​Young Carer Statement
Refer to the Borders Carers Centre.  The support plan will highlight any support that should be provided to an adult carer to meet their needs.  Please contact Action for Children to ask about Young Carer Statements.  
Set eligibility criteria
The local eligibility criteria is a framework used to identify whether a carer should receive support from SBC and NHS Borders to meet their identified needs.  If a carer meets the eligibility criteria, support may take the form of self-directed support.
Provide support
Carers who do not meet the eligibility criteria will still receive help and support and can still access services such as information and advice from SBC, NHS Borders and the Borders Carers Centre.  The Carers Support Plan is the first step in ascertaining what support is required.
Involve carers in carer services 
Carers must be consulted with about shaping services that have an impact on their caring role.  NHS Borders have a duty to involve carers in hospital discharge planning, ensuring that before a cared-for person is discharged from hospital, carers are involved in the process.  Whilst the cared-for is in hospital, the carer should be referred to the Borders Carers Centre Hospital Liaison Worker.
Prepare a local carer strategy
In partnership with carers, Social Work, NHS Borders and the Borders Carers Centre, this is on target.  The strategy will set out how services will be delivered.  Updates can be seen here.
Prepare a short breaks statement
In partnership with carers, Social Work and the Borders Carers Centre.  Available to download here
Ensure establishment/maintenance of an information/advice service
The Borders Carers Centre delivers an information and advice service on behalf of SBC and NHS Borders.  The service provides information and advice about carers rights, education and training, health and well-being, care planning, future care planning and emergency situations.
What to expect - The Carers Act
File Size: 894 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Downloadable leaflet for carers 

Back to Professionals page

Picture

    Sign up to our e-bulletin

Subscribe to e-bulletin
* Please see our Privacy Statement here which explains when and why we collect personal information; how we use it, keep it secure and in what circumstances we may share it with other organisations.
The Borders Carers Centre, Brewerybrig, Low Buckholmside, Galashiels TD1 1RT    01896 752431
HOME
INFO PACK
HOSPITAL SUPPORT
SUPPORT GROUPS
TRAINING
YOUNG ADULT CARERS
PARENT CARERS
NEWS
CONTACT
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.