Carers Rights Day 2024 takes place on Thursday 21st November. This important day offers an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of unpaid family carers. These individuals provide essential support to loved ones who are elderly, disabled, or living with long-term health conditions, often without recognition or adequate support. At Braeburn Care, we want to highlight the significance of this day, raise awareness about carers’ rights, and encourage greater support for these unsung heroes.
Why Carers Rights Day Matters
This is a national campaign to ensure that those who provide care for others understand their rights and have access to the information and support they need. The day shines a spotlight on the challenges carers face, many of whom juggle full-time employment, personal responsibilities, and the emotional and physical toll that comes with caring for others. Despite the immense role carers play in supporting the health and well-being of their loved ones, many do so without access to the resources, respite, or recognition they deserve.
This day encourages carers to access the support they are entitled to, and for society at large to acknowledge and value their contributions. The theme for this year’s Carers Rights Day focuses on helping carers understand their rights and empowering them to take control of their own health and well-being.
The Role of Carers
Carers provide daily, hands-on support for individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or age-related conditions, often without financial compensation. They assist with personal care, household tasks, medication management, transportation, and offer emotional support. Many carers dedicate their lives to ensuring their loved ones can live with dignity and independence. However, in doing so, they can face numerous challenges including isolation, financial strain, and a lack of respite. It is vital that carers are given the tools, information, and resources to look after themselves while caring for others.
Support for Carers
We aim to highlight the various rights and support available to carers. These include:
- Financial Support: Carers may be eligible for financial assistance through Carer’s Allowance and other benefits. Financial support can help reduce the financial strain that often accompanies caring responsibilities.
- Legal Rights: Carers have the right to an assessment of their own needs and can request support for their physical and emotional well-being. They also have the right to take time off from their caring duties and request flexible working arrangements.
- Access to Respite Care: One of the most important aspects of supporting carers is ensuring they have access to respite care, allowing them to take a break and recharge. At Braeburn Care, we offer respite care services and work in partnership with organisations such as Involve Kent to provide relief for both carers and the people they care for.
- Information and Guidance: There is a wealth of resources and advice available to carers, but many don’t know where to turn. Carers Rights Day aims to provide clear guidance on what services and support are available to help carers.
How Braeburn Care Supports Carers
At Braeburn Care, we understand the invaluable role carers play, and we are committed to supporting both professional and family carers. We provide practical assistance, including respite care, to give family carers the time and space they need to look after their own health and well-being and offer personalised home care services, ensuring that the person they care for is supported in a dignified and respectful way. We are passionate about supporting carers, and we encourage them to reach out to us for more information about how we can assist. Whether you need extra support, a break, or guidance on the next steps in your caregiving journey, our team at Braeburn Care are here to help.
Carers Rights Day 2024 is a reminder of the essential contributions carers make to society, often in silence and without the recognition they deserve. By raising awareness of carers’ rights and providing accessible resources, we can help ensure that all carers feel empowered and supported. If you’re a carer or know someone who is, we encourage you to take this day as an opportunity to learn more about your rights and how we can support you. Remember, carers deserve care too, and we’re here to ensure they get it.
