24 November marks Carers Rights Day. This is an opportunity to support carers so that they are aware of their rights, signpost where they can get help and support and raise awareness of the needs of carers.
The challenges of caring
Caring can be one of the most important things that someone can do but it also costs in so many different ways. The cost could be to the unpaid carers’ wellbeing and ability to access health services, or it would be the financial costs associated with looking after someone – or the effects on carers’ employment options.
Taking care of someone may impact on the relationships of carers, by not being able to take time out to spend with friends and family or changes to the relationship with those they care for.
The current cost of living crisis is being felt even more acutely by carers throughout the UK.
We believe that carers need to know their rights wherever they are in their caring journey and regardless of the setting. Carers Rights Day promotes empowering carers to feel confident asking for what they need and can challenge things when their rights are not being met.
Carers have the right to… discuss flexible working options
Juggling work and care can be very challenging, so it’s important to understand the rights you have both in law and with your employer.
- The law gives you ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has
- Your contract of employment gives you ‘contractual rights’ which can be more generous than statutory rights.
If you’re looking for information on your rights or how to prepare yourself to discuss flexible working options with your employer, you can find further information regarding your statutory rights as a carer on the website Getting support at work – Carers UK.
Carers have the right to… protection from discrimination
If you look after an older or disabled person, the Equality Act 2010 protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities.
This is because you are counted as being ‘associated’ with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability.
You can find more information available that explains discrimination by association and harassment, which may be useful if you feel you have been treated unfairly because of your caring role on Protection from discrimination – Carers UK
Carers have the right to… request a free flu jab
Worried about becoming ill and unable to cope this winter?
If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who may be put at risk if you become ill, you are eligible for a free flu jab, according to government policy. You are also eligible if you’re receiving Carer’s Allowance. If you feel this applies to you, you have the right to request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist.
Carers UK runs a campaign to let carers know about availability of free jabs including through healthcare professionals and employers. Find out more here.
Carers have the right to… receive a Carer’s Assessment
Many carers find it easier to continue in their caring role if they can get some assistance. If it appears that they have needs for support, they can have a Carer’s Assessment.
Local councils can provide care and support for people who require care, and their carers. The way they make a decision about the support that they can provide is by carrying out assessments.
Find out more about eligibility, the process for applying for an assessment and the sorts of support that might be available to you Assessments_-_England_April_2022-23.pdf (carersuk.org)
Carers have the right to… be identified as a carer
If you provide unpaid care, you can ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record and might be called forward for flu jabs or other public health campaigns.
Several GP surgeries have a simple form on their website to help you register as a carer, but we have heard that this is not always the case so please consult your GP.
Carers have the right to… be consulted on hospital discharge
If you are an unpaid carer and the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, the hospital must identify and consult with you, where possible.
The Carers UK Helpline is there when you need expert information, advice and support about your rights, about financial and practical help available or about any other challenges caring can present. The helpline is available on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or you can contact them by email (advice@carersuk.org) more information can be found here.
North London Hospice is able to support carers of people that are known to one of our clinical services, contact us on 020 8343 8841 and ask to speak with a member of the social work team.
