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Adult Carers

What is an adult carer?

An adult carer is 18 years or older. Each carer and the person they provide support for is an individual so the support that is provided will be unique to them. However, there are certain roles and tasks that many carers can and do provide, and these can typically include the following:

  • helping someone get up and dressed in the morning;
  • supporting them to eat/drink;
  • helping someone to have social opportunities;
  • doing household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing and shopping;
  • supporting with budgeting and money matters;
  • supporting someone with letters, phone calls and emails;
  • accompanying them to appointments;
  • providing general company and companionship.
     

Why might someone need the support of their carer?

There are lots of different circumstances that can lead to a person being supported by a carer, and these may include any one or more of the following:

  • dementia;
  • frailty as a result of ageing;
  • physical disability;
  • learning disability;
  • sensory impairment;
  • acute episode of illness/disease;
  • long term health condition;
  • mental ill-health;
  • alcohol or drug misuse;
  • terminal health conditions such as cancer.

Providing care and support for individuals with a range of complex health conditions can be challenging. Due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances the level of input an individual requires, and the subsequent demands on the carer, can change frequently. We recognise a change in circumstances can have a significant impact on the carer in respect of their own health and wellbeing.
 

Support available

In addition to the South Ayrshire Carers Centre, many other organisations provide information and advice for carers who are supporting people with a range of specific conditions. Information on these organisations can be found on here.

The South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board at its meeting on 16th May 2019, approved the new Adult Carers Strategy for the period 2019-2024. The Strategy was developed through discussions with carers, staff and partners including South Ayrshire Carers Centre, Crossroads and the Ayrshire Hospice.

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