CARERS IN THE HORSHAM DISTRICT
Who are the Carers in the Horsham District ?
Carers are people who care for and support relatives or friends who are frail or have physical or mental illness or disability or are affected by substance misuse or HIV/AIDS.
Increasingly there are also a number of children with caring responsibilities - also known as young carers. Young carers provide or help to provide care and support and take on a level of responsibility that is usually associated with an adult. The care they profide could be personal, practical and emotional.
Many carers do not see themselves as carers - they see themselves as a parent, spouse/partner, son/daughter, relative, friend or neighbour caring for a loved one or friend. As a result of not realising they are a carer they may often miss out on services, support, advice and benefits available.
The term 'carer' shold not be confused with a 'care worker' or 'care attendant'.
How many Carers ?
There are 11,641 carers in the Horsham District [2001 census]
Many carers are providing round the-clock-care, others a few hours a week - the census identified 1,552 in Horsham providing 50+ hours per week.
National research indicates that the cost of replacing care provided by a carer would be £8700 p.a. - this would equate to £101,276,000 p.a. in Horsham District alone.
Other characteristics of carers
- the peak age for becoming a carer is 45-64 [this has significant consequences for carers in employment]
- 27% of carers are over 65
- 50% of carers look after someone aged 75+
- 18% of carers look after more than one person
What do Carers Want ?
National and local consultation shows that the priorities for carers are
- Time off from their caring role
- Information that is easily understandable and readily accessible
- Recognition and support for their health and well being
- Financial security
- Emotional support
Where can Carers get help and advice ?
Services specifically for Carers are predominantly provided by the voluntary sector:
- Carers Support Services North and Mid Sussex [covers Horsham] and Worthing and District Carers Liaison Service [covers Chanctonbury] provide information, advice/advocacy, listening ear, carers meetings, events, workshops [e.g. stress management, back care, Tai Chi], Carers Support worker in GP practices [all of the Chanctonbury practices and 4 Horsham practices]
Information on other services available e.g. Crossroads, short breaks, Carers' Forums and support groups are available from the above organisations.
The vision for Carers in Horsham
The vision for Carers in Horsham is that all those who wish to be identified are helped to do so and that they have:
- Their own needs recognised and assessed
- Access to appropriate services
- Time off from the caring role when they need it, knowing that the person they care for is being looked after
- Access to emotional support to improve or maintain emotional well being
- Decreased social isolation
- Increased financial security through accessing benefits
Information for disabled people and carers
Directgov provides a single point of online access to government services and information - including employment, financial support, rights, education, independent living and much more. This information can be accessed at www.direct.gov.uk/disability