Bolton Carers Support Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions...

We have compiled a list of frequently asked qusestion and answers. To view a particular answer please select from the menu below:

• How do I arrange a break from caring?
• Is there anyone I can talk to?
• Can I claim Carers Allowance?
• What is a Carers Assessment?
• Where can I get aids and equipment for daily living tasks?
• How do I get practical help with cleaning, gardening and minor home repairs?
• How do I find out about care homes?
• How do I get help in an emergency?
• How does the person I care for apply for a Blue Badge?
• Is there any help with transport?
• How can I get my voice heard and make a difference?
• How do I get a wheelchair for the person I care for?
• Is there any help with Prescription Charges?
• Where can I get advice on employment matters?
• Can I get help with adaptions to my home?

We hope that this information is helpful and we update this page regularly so please check back from time to time. If you need help or advice please feel free to contact us by completing the feedback form here.

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"What is a Carers Assessment?"

A Carers Assessment is sometimes referred to as 'the gateway to services' as it is an opportunity to discuss your caring situation and the sort of help that could be useful. For example the person you care for might need:

• Community meals - this service can help people who are finding it difficult to cook for themselves. Frozen meals can also be provided for people to heat up later. There is a set charge for each meal.
• Home care - home care workers can help with daily living tasks such as getting up, getting washed and dressed, getting ready for bed, and other personal care tasks.
• Short breaks - Social Services part-fund some 'befriending schemes' where volunteers are trained befrienders for people who are isolated or housebound. Another useful service is Crossroads Caring for Carers respite care break service. Trained carers support workers provide practical support in the form of personal care. There are also day care centres where the person you care for can go for support while you have a break. Transport to and from day centres can be provided.
• Respite care - there could be help to take a longer break from caring.
• Aids and equipment - Disability Officers can help with aids and equipment to make daily living tasks easier.
• Bolton Adult Placement - this is a service for people with physical disabilities, or mental health problems or learning disabilities, or for frail elderly people. It offers short-term care, a befriending service, and a specialist befriending service for people who have for dementia.
• Support for children with disabilities - there may be help available such as specialist advice, respite, help at home and help for school leavers.
• Direct payments - it could be that the services available do not meet the needs of the person you care for, in which case direct payments might be more flexible. A direct payment is a cash payment made so an individual can arrange their own support rather than receive services from Social Services.

Some or all of these services may require a financial contribution from the person receiving the services.

If you care for someone under 65 please contact 01204 337970, 337971, 337971

If you care for someone over 65 please contact 01204 338027

Bolton Carers Support has a useful booklet called 'Your Guide to a Carers Assessment' available free of charge by completing the online feedback form here.

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