Unpaid Carers Information Service
Carers look after someone – a relative, friend or neighbour – who is ill, frail or disabled and cannot manage on their own or who is unable to manage without help because they are elderly, disabled by physical or mental ill health, learning disability, drug or alcohol problem or have a long-term illness.
They may be providing a caring role for a couple of hours a week or caring for someone over 30 hours a week; everyone is entitled to help and support.
Why do we think carers are important to people?
Carers are unpaid (not to be confused with paid care assistants employed by Social Services and Care Agencies) and save the NHS in Wales over £8.1 billion each year.
The 2011 census showed that there are an estimated 370,000 carers in Wales, over 14% of the population (1 in 8.) This represents an 11% increase on the 2001 census figure. In Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan there are approximately 50,580 carers.
What kind of help make life easier for carers?
- Financial help – welfare benefits, carers allowance.
- Information - right to a Carers Needs Assessment, respite care, being more involved in care if they want to.
- When the person they care for is in hospital, participating in arrangements for the person’s discharge.
- Looking after their own health. It is recognised that carers neglect their own wellbeing.
Local County Council websites have details of services available to Carers:
Vale of Glamorgan Council's One Vale - For more information call 01446 700111 or alternatively resources can be found online on the Vale of Glamorgan Council website.
Cardiff Council: If you are caring for or supporting a child with a disability and want information or support please contact the Cardiff Family Advice and Support Line on 03000 133 133.
If you are caring or supporting an adult to meet a daily need due to age, illness, disability or a mental health or addiction issue please contact Independent Living Services for information and support on 029 20 234 234 Option 2.
If you are under 18 and supporting some one with a care need you can contact the Young Carers Coordinator on 029 2087 2046 or 07772 439 767.
There is information online on the Cardiff Council website.
Contact Information - Cardiff & Vale UHB
A dedicated email account has been set up by the Patient Experience Team for any carer-related enquiries, general advice, problems or requests for information. The address is pe.cav@wales.nhs.uk.
Alternatively carers can phone the Patient Experience Team on 029 2184 5692.