Social Work Services can provide advice and support for adult carers who care for older people, children with special needs and adults with physical or learning disabilities. Carers may be entitled to receive additional help and support for their own needs from the Adult Social Work Team.

A carer can be:

• a parent caring for a child with special needs;
• an older person caring for a partner, relative or friend who is physically or mentally ill;
• a child who is caring for a sick or disabled parent, brother or sister.

Carers vary in age and in the nature of tasks they undertake, and people can still be carers when they do not live with the cared-for person.

If you feel that you are providing care on a sustainable and regular basis you can ask for an assessment. To do this, get in touch with your local Social Work Services Office. A Social Worker will arrange to come and see you and discuss your needs as a carer and tell you about some of the services that may be available to you.

Services available to help carers include:

• welfare benefits advice
• day care
• home care, including help with personal care and housework
• community alarm
• respite or short breaks from caring
• residential respite care

The only benefit specifically for carers is Carer's Allowance (CA) which is paid to carers who are looking after a disabled person. You may be able to claim other benefits if you are on a low income.