Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 provided unpaid carers with rights to services to enable and empower them to be supported to continue in their caring role
Carers have a right to:
- Information and advice about the following:
- their rights under the Carers Charter including Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carers Statements
- advocacy
- health and wellbeing for carers
- income maximisation/Welfare Rights
- education and training for carers
- emergency and future planning
- a right to request an Adult Carer Support Plan (and our duty to offer one)
- a right to support to meet any carers' 'eligible needs'
- a right to involve carers in planning the services for the person they care for
- a right to be involved in planning carers services (including services for the people they care for)
- a right to be involved in the discharge planning for the person they care for (if they will require social care support on discharge from hospital.
Supporting Unpaid Carers Guide (PDF, 780 KB)
Information and advice for carers are provided under our partnership arrangements with PKAVS - Support for Adult Carers. You can self-refer to PKAVS Carers Centre using the Self-referral form.
Adult carer support plans
An Adult Carer Support Plan is either based on a self-assessment through PKAVS or a conversation with one of our Social Work team members. The Adult Carer Support Plan will be used to assess the impact of caring on you and the support you need to continue caring. Find out more about Adult Carer Support Plans.
Access to respite and short breaks
This may mean access to a small grant (Wee Treats or Time to Live) to enable you to have a break or other types of support to help the person you care for. Short breaks for carers - PKAVS - Perth and Kinross
Support
- If the impact of your caring role requires input from Social Work teams, your support will be provided under Self-Directed Support (SDS) options. PKAVS can provide support to help you decide which option is best for you. Self Directed Support - PKAVS - Perth and Kinross.
- Emotional and practical support and access to counselling Adult Carer Support Perthshire | Help for Unpaid Carers
- Access to advocacy to support you speaking to professionals: Independent Advocacy
Emergency planning
An Emergency Plan is a written document which lets people know what needs to be done to support the person you care for if you are unable to carry out your caring role at short notice - for example if you are being admitted to hospital or you have a personal incident or accident. An Emergency Plan is sometimes also called a future plan. If you would like more information about an Adult Carer Support Plan and about making an Emergency Plan, please contact PKAVS by calling 01738 567076 or visit the Carer's Hub website.
An Emergency Carer's Card could give you the peace of mind and reassurance that the person who depends on you will be safe, if something unexpected happens to you and that you will be safe in an emergency situation. To apply, complete our Emergency Carer's Card application form.
Support when the person you care for is admitted to hospital
PKAVS Hospital Link Worker may be able to help you Adult Support
Additional information
- signposting to specialist services and community supports
- You can get help from PKAVS to access a 'Live Active Compass Card' that provides access to Live Active facilities across Perth & Kinross.
- Going to the Cinema? People with disabilities can apply for a CEA card to allow the carer who accompanies them free entry.
We offer practical and emotional support to help carers manage their responsibilities and take time for themselves.
- Contact: PKAVS - Support for Adult Carers
- Or Access Team 0345 30 111 20 or email [email protected]
