FAQs

The term 'Carer' may be unfamiliar to you and it may seem strange to be described as one. In the UK, millions of people provide unpaid care or support to an adult family member or friend, either in their own homes or somewhere else. We use the term 'Carer' to describe anyone who looks after someone or feels responsible for someone who cannot manage at home without some support. This may be because of illness, disability, mental ill-health, learning disabilities and problems with drug and alcohol misuse. 

'Caring' for someone covers lots of different tasks, like helping with a person's washing, dressing or eating, taking them to regular appointments or keeping them company when they feel lonely or anxious. 

Giving care and support to someone can have an impact on your life. It can affect your mental and physical health. You may feel tired or find it hard to stay in employment or take part in social activities. 

You can complete Optalis` Carers Self-Assessment form to help you and your social care coordinator work out what your needs are in relation to your caring role, and what outcomes you would like to achieve by having support.  Your wellbeing will be at the heart of this assessment. Finally, you can have a Carer`s assessment, regardless of whether the person you care for has eligible needs.   

To get in touch with Optalis for a Carer`s assessment and about anything related to Carers, please call: 01628 683 744 or email access.services@rbwm.gov.uk.