Carers Rights

Local authorities and health services know that as an unpaid carer you play a vital role in looking after family members and/or friends with health problems and disabilities so they can continue to live in the community.

Without the care that you and other carers provide there would be a lot more pressure on local services in Derbyshire and nationally. 

To give carers the opportunity to be properly supported, the Care Act 2014 (which came into force in April 2015) gave carers the same rights as those they care for, including the right to have their needs assessed through a carers assessment.

The assessment looks at your needs in relation to your physical and mental health, your work, leisure and the impact of your caring role on your day-to-day life.

As a carer you also have a right to information and advice and you should also be consulted in planning services for the person you care for.  

This section of the website includes information about both the rights you have in relation to the person you care for as well as rights you have as an individual.

There is also information about having your say, making complaints, and keeping safe.  

The British Institute of Human Rights have developed a Pocket Guide for Carers that outlines and explains the human rights of carers and those who are cared for, as protected by the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.

Luke Clements is a solicitor and Law Professor at Leeds University. He's put together a website that gives legal advice for carers and parent carers to help them understand their rights and access the care and support they are entitled.