Carer Development Team
Services and Support
We can arrange a wide range of services to help people live as independently as possible in their own community. If you, or the person you care for, wish to receive services then the needs of the person you care for will have to be assessed. Some services are free, for example, an assessment of needs, advice, information and the loan of equipment to help with daily living; other services do have a cost for which the person who is to receive the service will need to be financially assessed. Within our service we have a dedicated team - the Carer Development team - who have specific responsibilities for assessing the individual needs of carers (adults caring for adults). This team is independent from other social work teams and helps to promote the needs and rights of carers. The team's main focus is cases involving significant difference between the needs of the carer and the cared for person, as well as cases of a complex nature. The team also offers advice and support to others to ensure the needs of carers are recognised and supported.Some of the benefits of an independent team are:
- A primary focus on the carer.
- An ability to challenge conventional practice.
- Focus on the impact of caring and highlight the associated risks separate from the cared for person.
- Working with complex dynamics and situations involving tension and conflict.
- An independent approach to highlighting carers needs.
- Raising awareness and promoting good practice in the development of holistic packages of care.
- Commissioning and pursuing services that better meeting the needs of carers. Including services aimed at giving the carer a direct break from their caring responsibilities.
Fair Access to Care
We publish our eligibility criteria for services in a booklet called Fair Access to Care Services or alternatively you can contact Social Care Direct who will send you a copy of this booklet on request.Carers Register
The Carer's Register is a list of people in County Durham who are caring for a friend or relative on a regular basis. Membership can help provide information about the needs and views of carers about services that can be planned to offer support for the future. A quarterly newsletter called the "Carers Echo" packed with interesting and informative articles is sent direct to those carers who are registered. There is no charge for membership to the Register.Carers Emergency Contact Card
The Carers Emergency Contact Card Scheme is available to those on the Carer's Register, benefits carers in an emergency situation. Through the scheme, arrangements can be made for a trained helper to care for someone short term, should their carer be unable to do so because of an emergency outside the home. The scheme is run in partnership with the Red Cross and is provided free of charge.Directions
Directions offers information to help people find the services, advice or information that will help them enjoy a better life. They can help carers find out about a whole range of information and support which may be available locally, including information about opportunities for respite or short break care and holiday opportunities. The Directions service is a free and confidential service for people living in County Durham. Please telephone 0800 393726.
