Lonsdale District Carers

Working Hard for Carers

large font

FAQ

Your most common questions answered:

Q-How do you make referrals?

A-Carers and former carers can self refer, referrals can be made by other organisations or professionals, no form is required, just contact us in the way that is best for you-call in, phone, email or letter (see the Contact Us page for details).

Top
Q-Do we refer carers to other services?

A-We would discuss your needs with you and it may be that another organisation has more information or advice about your enquiry than we do, or that they can complement the services we can provide for you.  We will not make a referral without your permission unless there are “safeguarding” issues-please ask about our Confidentiality with Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy.

Top

Q-How can I get a break from my caring role?

A-You may be able to get help from the Adult and Community Services, ask us about getting a Carers Assessment.  Many carers worry about having an assessment and think that a social worker is going to make judgements about whether the care is “good enough” or whether the house is “clean enough”.  Social workers are not coming to see you to be critical; they are looking to see if you may be entitled to help.  During assessment carers sometimes give the impression that they are coping, and do not say how things are “on a bad day”.  We can help you prepare for an assessment to ensure that you have the best possible chance of getting help-so please ask us.

Sometimes local authorities charge for community care services depending on your means.

We also provide respite events, for example, half and full days out, pamper events, guided walks, therapies, including aroma therapy, massage and a counselling service.  We also hold regular themed groups, for example, relaxation and bereavement and change groups.  If you are participating in our events, we can pay for respite-please ask us.

Top

Q-Can I claim Attendance Allowance?

A-You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance, but you will have to see your GP first.  This is a benefit for disabled people aged 65 or over, who find it difficult to care for themselves because of a disability or long-term health problem. 

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must:

  • Be aged 65 or over
  • Have had the disability or health problems you describe for at least six months (unless you have a terminal illness, when the benefit is paid immediately)
  • Satisfy one of the disability conditions i.e. for either higher or lower rate
  • Satisfy residence and presence conditions 

If you are under 65, you should claim Disability Living Allowance instead.

Top

Q-Can I claim Carers Allowance?

A-To qualify for Carers allowance, you must meet these rules:

  • You must be 16 years old or over
  • You must look after someone for at least 35 hours a week
  • The person you look after must receive a qualifying disability benefit 
  • If you work you must not earn more than £100 (2010-2011 rate)
  • You must not get one of a list of other benefits
  • You must be living in the UK when you claim Carer's Allowance
  • You must not be a full-time student

Additional information is available from the Carers UK website:
http://www.carersuk.org/Information/Financialhelp/CarersAllowance

Top

Q-Can I apply for a “Time for Me” grant?

A-The Time for Me fund allows carers to obtain a grant for services or equipment to assist them in their caring role-this can be up to a maximum of £350.  You can apply for more than one item, but you must provide a breakdown of each item and how much it costs.  An application form is available from us and we would be happy to assist you in completing this. 

  • You must have been registered with us for at least six months (unless there are extenuating circumstances)-your details will be stored on our carers’ database in line with the Data Protection Act 1998
  • Any goods or services purchased must be for the benefit of the carer
  • You must be an active carer; unfortunately former carers are not eligible for TFM grants
  • TFM is not intended as an emergency or crisis fund
  • Only one award is allowed in any four panel period (four quarterly period)
  • Receipts must be provided for goods or services purchased within six months of the grant being received
  • Grants are not awarded for goods or services that have already been purchased

Top

Q-How do I get information about support for carers?

A-Lonsdale District Carers has open drop in sessions in Morecambe and Lancaster-please ask for opening times.  Our Freephone helpline is 0800 1696 529-our administration hours are 9.30-4.30 Monday to Friday.  If you get the answering machine during these hours it means we are on the phone providing support for a carer-please leave a message and we will get back to you.  We can provide information in a variety of ways, face to face, by phone, email or letter.  We can also come to you-we have a visits service, and can come to you in your home or local café-somewhere where you feel comfortable.

We also have a good local and national knowledge, and can help access other “help” organisations to enable you to get the support you need.

Top

Q-What can I do in an emergency?

A-You can apply for a Peace of Mind 4 Carers plan.  This will ensure that the person you care for will looked after if you have an emergency and you are unable to fulfil your caring role.  Ask us to help you draw up a "plan" today.
For more information about this service or to book an appointment, contact us on Freephone 0800 1696 529 (see the Peace of Mind 4 Carers page)

Top

Q-Can I claim DLA (Disability Living Allowance)?

A-Help is available to assist in the completion of DLA forms-some of our staff are trained to help with these forms-please ask. Additional information is also available from the Welfare Rights web site:

http://www.welfarerights.net/home.php

Also see the Useful Contacts page on this web site.

Top