Older Carers
Am I an Older Carer?
If you are 65 or older looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, partner or friend over the age of 18, then you are an older carer. The person you look after may be elderly, have a physical or mental health condition, a learning disability or a drug or alcohol dependency (diagnosed or undiagnosed).
Recent research from the Carers Trust revealed there are more than one million carers over the age 65 in the UK. Almost one in ten people over 85 provide unpaid care, with this number set to double over the next 20 years. Most carers aged over 70 are providing over 60 hours care a week.
Older carers often have their own health problems. Health conditions may be caused as a direct result of their caring role or be worsened from the physical and mental strains of caring. Older carers may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Under the Care Act 2014 older carers are entitled to support with their caring role, irrespective if the person they are caring for, (often called cared-for or dependant) wish to have support or an assessment with Swindon Borough Council social services themselves.
What we offer
Once registered with our Adult/Older carer services, you can access:
- Carers Support Line
- 1:1 Support
- Benefits Advice
- Access to breaks and complementary therapies, training sessions and self-help groups
- Volunteer qualified Counsellor (Small donation asked)
- Bereavement support following the death of your dependant.
- Emergency Card scheme
If you contact us, we will take some key information from you and complete a short registration assessment of your caring role to establish your needs and send you any relevant information that may be useful. With your consent we may also signpost you to external organisations that can also offer support to you and your dependant (cared for).