Adult Carer Support Plans
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 came into effect from 1st April 2018. This legislation gives carers a right to be offered, or to request, an Adult Carer Support Plan which supports the carer to identify the advice and support that is needed to reduce the impact of caring on their health and wellbeing and other aspects of their lives. It also puts a duty on the Health and Social Care Partnership to set local eligibility criteria for supporting carers, to develop the adult carer support plan.
What is an Adult Carer Support Plan?
An Adult Carer Support Plan starts with a conversation with a worker where you discuss your caring role and what is important to you in your life. It helps plan what could help you work towards your goals.
Your Adult Carer Support Plan should be completed within 12 weeks of us receiving your referral however this may not always be possible due to a variety of reasons.
Why is an Adult Carer Support Plan important?
An Adult Carer Support Plan helps you to think about what support you might need if you wish to continue caring and what could help you to have a life alongside caring. The plan sets out any needs you have and how they will be met.
A support plan can give you access to a wider range of services and support which is based on your needs and outcomes. As a minimum, every carer can access information and support from Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and community organisations like PKAVS. Some examples of support for carers are:
- Information and advice
- Welfare rights and advocacy
- Carer cafés and support groups
- Short breaks or respite
- Counselling or one-to-one support
- Relaxation therapies
- Carer training courses
- Leisure activities like walking groups,
- swimming, singing or art
How do you make an Adult Carer Support Plan?
Before you have a conversation with your worker it can help to think of a typical day helping the person you care for and make a note of your needs and concerns. If the caring situation changes a lot over time, think about what a good and bad day looks like. Also think about the things that could help you cope with caring.
Your worker will talk about outcomes with you. Outcomes are a way of describing what is important to you and what your aims and hopes are. Some examples of outcomes are:
- Being as well as you can be
- Feeling valued
- Feeling informed
- Having a life outside of caring
- Being listened to
The key points of the conversation are written down with agreed actions and this becomes the Adult Carer Support Plan. You will have a copy to keep. If you wish, a copy can also be given to any other person you choose.
You will also be offered an annual review of your Adult Carer Support Plan however if your caring situation changes you have the right to request an earlier review.
How can I find out more about getting an adult carer support plan?
If you would like more information about an Adult Carer Support Plan please contact the Carers Centre by calling 01738 567076, option 2 or email carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk
