As a parent carer juggling so many different priorities, finding the time to look around for information that might help can be hard. Our teams talk to parents every day, helping them find answers to questions about their caring situation. Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked.
What do I need to get in place as I plan for myself getting older?
As part of your planning, it is usually wise to consider having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. Mencap and Scope have useful guides on this, as well as information on Trusts and Wills. As a carer you are also entitled to a What If? Plan which will help you to think through and plan for all kinds of eventualities. We can help guide you through this.
I want to plan for transitions but don’t know where to start.
For Cambridgeshire contact us for support to complete a transition plan or visit this section on Pinpoint Cambridgeshire’s website pinpoint-cambs.org.uk/information-hub/preparing-for-adulthood
For Norfolk please contact Young Carers Matter Norfolk on 0800 083 1148 or visit youngcarersmatternorfolk.org
I am a single parent and feel very alone. How can I access support from other parent carers?
Many charities, such as Scope have online communities, or you could join one of our friendly hubs. We also run events like cream teas and wellbeing days for all adult carers. You are welcome to join these to meet other carers. See caringtogether.org/support-for-carers
How do I transfer from DLA (Disability Living Allowance) to PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
PIP is gradually replacing DLA for people aged 16 or older. You can contact us for general advice or you could contact Citizens Advice, Pinpoint Cambridgeshire or Family Voice Peterborough.
How do I find out about my own benefit entitlements as a carer?
You may be entitled to Universal Credit, Carer’s Allowance or other benefits. For Carer’s Allowance, visit our website or for Universal Credit visit Citizens Advice. Call us for high-level benefit information and we will point you towards more individual advice.
Who would I go to for adult social care?
Depending on where you live, you can find information and advice on how to go about accessing adult social care as follows:
For Cambridgeshire call 0345 045 5202, or visit cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/adults/organising-care-and-support/care-needs-assessment
For Peterborough call 01733 747474 or visit peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/adult-social-care
For Norfolk call 0344 800 8020 or visit norfolk.gov.uk/article/41741/How-adult-social-care-works
Or call our Carer Advisors who can point you in the right direction.
There seems to be so many adult social care teams, which one is relevant to me?
There are several teams within adult social care which can give you specialist advice, for example the Learning Disability team, the mental health team, the adults with autism team. For example, Cambridgeshire County Council’s website gives more information on these cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/jobs-and-careers/we-love-social-workers/our-teams-adults
What happens when we (parents) are no longer here? We don’t have anyone else who could look after our child.
Start thinking about what is right for you and child when they are an adult – may be difficult to think about but it is good to plan ahead. For example, would they be OK living in a house with other people? A transition plan can help talk through some of this.
Is it fair that my child’s siblings should take on the responsibility when I am gone?
Every family is different and for your peace of mind it may be best to discuss this with everyone concerned early on so that your thoughts and expectations are clear. This can then form the basis of any longer-term planning.
I know that you have something called a Family Carers’ Prescription – can I access that and what kind of thing could it offer me?
A Family Carers’ Prescription gives carers of any age, including young carers and parent carers, access to a specialist worker at Caring Together who will help you make a plan to support your needs.
This means you could have help with your own physical or mental health (which could include a break), support to make it easier for you to attend your own medical appointments, or help to buy equipment or access services that will help make things that little bit easier for you.
The support can include someone being with the person you look after. This service is available to carers who are registered with a GP surgery within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board.
How do I talk to someone for advice and information rather than going online?
You can contact Pinpoint Cambridgeshire, Family Voice Peterborough or Caring Together. Caring Together’s community teams run hubs in various locations across Cambridgeshire, there is a new one coming in South Cambridgeshire soon, and also visit other groups to talk about available support and meet parent carers face-to-face. You can ask questions as part of a group discussion or one-to-one with them there and then. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our Carer Advisors on the Caring Together helpline.
What happens when my child leaves school – where do I find out about opportunities for work or college?
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), from the age of 14 conversations will start happening around post-16 options. This could include voluntary work or internships.
The Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) team at Cambridgeshire County Council have a website with lots of information on post-16 options and they have a duty line you can call. The Cambridgeshire County Council PFA helpline is available every Monday of each week from 9am-12pm.
Tel: Martine Simpson-Thomas 074845 20039
Email: [email protected]
If you live in Peterborough you can receive one-to-one advice on the first Wednesday of each month from 1-3pm.
Tel: 07920 160256
Email [email protected]
You can also speak to SENDIASS for impartial advice
Cambridgeshire Online – SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
Other useful links
Cambridgeshire County Council – Education and Training (16-25 Years)
Cambridgeshire County Council – Preparing For Adult Life
Cambridgeshire County Council – SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)
Peterborough City Council – SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)
Peterborough City Council – Are you hoping to go to college (Local Offer)
Post-16 OAP Toolkit (cambslearntogether.co.uk)
My son is in mainstream school. What happens when he transitions at 16?
It will depend on the individual and availability of places locally to you. Open the discussion with your school early for guidance on the processes and timeframes. Contact a Family has some useful tips on different transitions processes contact.org.uk
Want to know more or have more questions?
For information and advice or if you’re not sure what support will be most beneficial to you and your family, our Carer Advisors are there to work with you to identify your options.
- Call us on 0345 241 0954 Monday to Friday
- Email us at [email protected]
- Visit caringtogether.org/ask-for-support/
Pinpoint Cambridgeshire and Family Voice Peterborough also have a wide range of useful information and advice on their websites, pinpoint-cambs.org.uk and familyvoice.org
