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Durham County Council Information Service
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Different Kinds of Carers

Adults Caring for Adults

If you are an adult who is caring for another adult over the age of 18 years, then you are an adult carer. As such, you may be entitled to a separate carers' assessment from Social Care and Health.

Parent Carer

By parent carer, we mean a parent who is caring for a child with a disability. Parents with children who have additional care needs may be entitled to services to support them in their caring role.

The wishes and feelings of parent carers will be addressed during the assessment of their child. This assessment will identify any additional support or services to meet the parents' needs.

Young Carers

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who supports a parent, brother or sister, or other relative who needs care or support.

An assessment of the needs of a child or young person, will help to identify services and support that may be able to help and support them through their development into adulthood.

In exceptional circumstances, a young carer aged 16-17 years may be entitled to a separate carer's assessment.

Health and Social Care - Meeting the needs of Carers

How to contact Social Care and Health