SUPPORT SERVICES
are for the
C
carers
The Care Act came into force in
April, giving new rights to carers and
allowing people more control over
how their needs are met, reports
Deborah Dickey.
S
ome adults need extra help to live as well as
possible and new rules will help thousands of
local people with an illness or disability, as well as
those who provide their care.
One of the main changes is the introduction of a new
carer’s assessment. This will consider the different ways that
being a carer affects people’s lives and will provide support,
including financial assistance where eligible, to meet their
needs. Those who are eligible will have their own plan,
specially tailored to them. They will also have control over
how they receive financial support, including an option for
a direct payment into their bank account to arrange for
their own care and support needs.
Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for health and
adults services, said: “Carers can ask for an assessment,
even if the person they care for doesn’t receive any
help from Ealing Council, and we can help with a range
of support, such as short breaks. Even if people aren’t
entitled to financial assistance, we will still advise them on
p
pp
p
help available, like local support groups.
Councillor Tailor at a recent meeting of carers
“Our duty is clear; that is to put carer’s emotional, physical
and mental wellbeing at the heart of the assessment.”
Another benefit of the new carer’s assessment is that it
uses national eligibility criteria. This means it will follow you
if you move home - and remain the same wherever you go
in the country.
And, from next year, there will also be a new cap on care
costs. This means that no one will have to pay more than
£72,000 towards the costs of their care in their lifetime;
and many people will pay much less. The amount that the
council will contribute towards someone’s care costs will
continue to be based on their income and assets, but the
threshold will be increased, meaning that more people will
qualify for financial help.
Councillor Tailor continued: “These changes give people
more control over decisions that have a major impact
on their lives and allow them to prioritise the things that
matter to them.”
For more information, and to find out about other
changes, go to www.ealing.gov.uk/careandsupport
around ealing
Summer 2015
49