This section of our website sets out our offer for unpaid carers.
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This section of our website sets out our support offer for unpaid carers. You can find the main topics at the top of this page and a list of answers to commonly asked questions below.
You can also read our Carers Strategy 2022 to 2027 which outlines our plans to develop our carers services.
Helping someone else to do the things they may not be able to do for themselves is sometimes called caring.
Our am I a carer page has some simple questions to help you check if you are a carer, along with a short video from Carers Trust Solihull of people sharing their experiences of being an unpaid carer.
You can also read our carer’s information guide for further information about what a parent carer is, what a young carer is, and what support is available.
Your caring role is important, and it is likely that you will need information, advice or support at some point, even if you are currently managing well.
Carers Trust Solihull provide support to unpaid carers in partnership with the Council.
If you regularly look after someone who couldn't manage without your help, you should tell your doctor. They will be able to signpost you to support.
Our financial support page has information about the benefits you may be able to claim.
Being a carer can be hugely rewarding, but it can also be challenging and isolating. If you're a carer and you're struggling to cope, remember you're not alone and there are lots of services you can access for support.
You can call us on 0121 704 8007 or email ccadults@solihull.gov.uk.
You can also contact your GP or any healthcare professionals you are involved with to discuss your situation. They may be able to offer some medical advice or support.
Our emotional support page has contact details of organisations who can help you.
The impact of losing someone you care for can be devastating and can leave you struggling with grief. Grief can affect people in different ways and can sometimes begin before the person has died.
Our emotional support page has details of specialist bereavement support and organisations who can help you in the lead up and afterwards including:
There are often many practical matters to deal with when a person dies, such as registering the death. For guidance on what to do after a death, GOV.UK has put together a step-by-step guide.
If the person you care for has increasing needs, talk to their GP or healthcare professional(s) and explain the circumstances to them. They will be able to offer some medical advice or support.
Please also contact our adult social care team to discuss what support we can offer on:
If the person you care for is already receiving care and support from us, but circumstances have changed, please contact us to request a care review.
Please contact the health or social care professional(s) involved with the person you care for to discuss the options available for care and support.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has a carer support service if you provide unpaid care to someone receiving treatment or care at their four hospitals (Solihull, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth Birmingham and Good Hope).
Our care after leaving hospital page explains the services which may be available to support you and your loved one when they are discharged.
Our Community Advice Hubs can give you advice on whether your benefits (or your partner’s benefits) are affected. You can contact Community Advice Hubs by:
If the person you care for lives outside Solihull or is being cared for outside of the borough, our caring for someone who lives in a different borough page provides information about which local authority (council) is responsible for their care.
If the person you care for is currently able to make decisions for themselves, but you’re worried they may no longer be able to in the future, our help to make decisions about your life page explains what to do if you need to put in place or enact Power of Attorney.
If the person you care for is no longer able to make decisions for themselves (lacks capacity), you can apply to be their deputy. The GOV.UK website provides information about what this means and how to apply.
Caring for someone who is dying can be an upsetting and emotional time, but support is available.
Please talk to the healthcare professional(s) involved with the person you care for, so that you can discuss the options or funding available for end-of-life care and support.
NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is care for adults which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS.
You can request a referral from a healthcare professional to see whether the person you care for is eligible for being fast tracked for immediate care.
You can also contact the following organisations:
It’s important to talk to your GP about your caring responsibilities so they can offer support.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is care for adults which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS. You can request for a referral from a health or social care professional to see whether the person you care for is eligible for a CHC assessment.
If you or the person you care for has a permanent and significant disability, a Blue Badge helps you to park closer to where you need to go either as a driver or passenger.
Our Blue Badge page explains whether you are eligible and how you can apply.
There are a range of organisations who provide help and support for carers with online information, advice and discussion forms.
Carers Trust Solihull has information about local support and how to get in contact with them.
Nationally there are advice and support groups available through:
You may also find it helpful to access support from a specialist organisation which supports people with the same condition(s) as the person you care for such as:
For emotional support, there are a range of services that can offer advice and support including:
You can also contact our adult social care team by: