All unpaid carers are entitled to an Adult Carer Support plan as stated in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. This plan is an important way of identifying your needs as an unpaid carer.   

When you register with us you will be allocated an Adult Carer Support Worker, who will arrange a time and place that suits you to complete your Adult Carer Support Plan.  

Through an informal discussion your support plan will detail what kind of care you provide, what is important to you and how to achieve a caring/life balance.  You will have the opportunity to describe your caring role and responsibilities and, the impact it has on your physical/mental health and wellbeing, finances, relationships and your living environment.    

You can also tell us about other issues you may be facing, highlighting any pressures you are under and the need for support to allow you some ‘me time’ to recharge your batteries. You will have the opportunity to discuss short breaks and/or introduction/increase to a care package for your cared for. There may also be other points you wish to discuss for example Power of Attorney,  emergency planning and Self Directed Support.  

Please remember that this conversation is all about you, your health and wellbeing, making sure you have the most relevant information and that you feel informed and supported to enable you to sustain your caring role.  

Having a plan in place can help ease your worries if you are not able to care for those you look after at any point in the future.   An emergency can be any unplanned event such as:  

• Sudden illness 

• Unplanned admission to hospital 

• Family emergency 

• Risk to employment  

• Had an accident or car has broken down 

• Some emergency that prevents you providing care for the person you look after 

We can guide you through the process of creating a plan by asking you to consider: 

• Who you would want to contact in an emergency 

• What support the person you care for will need in your absence 

• Details of medication that the cared for needs to take 

• Note of allergies, likes/dislikes the cared for person may have 

• GP contact details or any other professionals involved in their care 

• Mobility needs- is any equipment needed/required 

• Access arrangement – is there a key safe or key holder   

Tell the person you care for you have a plan and talk to the people you would want to contact in your emergency so they are aware of the plan and know where you have it stored.

A Future Care Plan helps carers ensure that if they are no longer able to provide care, there is a clear plan in place for the continued support of the person they care for. It outlines medical needs, personal care, living arrangements, and financial matters, ensuring stability and continuity of care. 

We assist carers in creating these plans, providing guidance to document key information and preferences so that the cared-for person’s needs are met, even if the carer can no longer fulfil their role. 

We understand caring is different for everyone and not one size fits all, however feedback from carers tells us the one thing they have in common is they need regular and sufficient breaks. Caring for someone can be a full-time job so breaks are vital to your own well-being and quality of life.  

Ask yourself this question when was the last time you gave yourself a break? This could be an evening out, going for a walk or a swim, enjoying a hobby, coffee with friends, taking a holiday or simply catching up on some sleep. Our team can help you to find opportunities for a break. We have access to various funding options to support your break, whether it's a regular weekly activity or a longer getaway.  

Taking a break also means that the person you are looking after may be able to enjoy new experiences, have a change of scene and routine and mix with other people. We also know that the worry of who will care while you’re away can be a big barrier. Speak to our team and we can look at available options for you. 

The range of supports and services available are at times bewildering.  A carer support worker can help you navigate and access information and advice relating to your caring role. Whether it be;

Accessing a break
Health and Wellbeing
Accessing Grants 
Working and learning
Social Activities 
Money and debt 
Income maximization and benefits 
Fuel and Energy Advice  

and much more

Providing care to a loved one can be demanding, isolating and emotionally draining.  Staff at the carers centre are available to talk things through or simply provide a listening ear.  It can often help talking to someone outside the family circle. 

Knowing that you are not alone and other carers understand how you feel can be of great comfort.  The carer centre facilitates various groups where you can meet other carers and share valuable information and experiences. 

You can drop into the centre, a member of staff can support you by phone or arrange a home visit or local venue at a time and place that suits you. 

We understand the issues and daily challenges faced by unpaid carers. To address this we have an annual programme of social activities and events which aim to reduce isolation, give you time to yourself and an opportunity to interact with other carers. 

The programme offers something for everyone from weekly sessions, including Tai Chi, Fitness, Yoga, coffee mornings and walking groups to half/full day trips to the theatre, cinema, lunch and overnights away.   

For more information contact the centre to be added to the monthly ‘What’s On’ List.

Caring can be rewarding but it can also make you feel isolated and alone.  Our peer support groups are a great way to meet other carers in similar situations. You can share your experiences and stories in a confidential and safe space allowing you to talk openly with people who really do understand. 

We currently have Parent Carers or under 18s, Parent Carers of 18s and over, Men Care Too, Art, Book, Young Adult Carer and Walking groups. If you have an idea for a new group please let us know. 

We recognise that the impact of your caring role may affect your mental and physical well-being. We offer free holistic therapies for carers. Massage has many benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body; creates feelings of well being and helps to ease emotional trauma through relaxation. Contact the centre to find out more. 

Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, but our counselling sessions provide a space for you to focus on yourself and consider your own needs. Our counsellors can support you in managing the demands of your caring role, help you identify personal goals to maintain your well-being, and guide you towards positive changes that keep you feeling recharged. 

A counsellor is a qualified listener who listens, helps you explore your situation, consider your options, and find ways to cope. 

What rights do carers have? Caring can be all-consuming and it can be difficult to see what support you are legally entitled to as an unpaid carer. The support workers at the centre can advise and guide you with anything from completing an Adult Carer Support Plan, benefits forms, grants, legal matters including Power of Attorney Guardianship and your right to regular and sufficient short breaks and much more.

Sometimes, getting the right support is as simple as knowing who to contact to resolve a particular issue. 

If you find professional meetings or procedures overwhelming and need help understanding everything, our support workers can accompany you, assist in discussions, or even speak on your behalf at meetings and reviews. They can act as an informal advocate to ensure your voice is heard.

Research has shown that training results in a better quality of life for the carer and the person they care for. Contact us to find out more about training for unpaid carers.

If you require support to get set up online, to access emails or join online groups please get in touch and one of the team will be happy to assist you.

In Scotland, Power of Attorney (PoA) and Guardianship allow someone to make decisions for another, but they apply in different situations. 

Power of Attorney (PoA)

PoA lets an individual (the granter) appoint someone (attorney) to act on their behalf. It must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland) and comes in three types: 

• Continuing PoA (financial decisions, can continue after incapacity) 

• Welfare PoA (health/personal decisions, only active if capacity is lost) 

• Combined PoA (both financial and welfare) 

Guardianship

A court-appointed measure for those who lack capacity and didn’t set up a PoA. A guardian is given authority over financial, welfare, or both types of decisions, under court and local authority supervision. 

Key Differences 

Power of Attorney
Who decides – Individual (before incapacity)
When effective – Immediately or upon incapacity 
Supervision – Minimal (Registration only) 

Guardianship 
Who decides – Court (after incapacity)
When effective – Only after court approval 
Supervision – Regular court/local authority oversight 

If someone still has capacity, they should consider granting a Power of Attorney to avoid the need for guardianship later. 

If a person has already lost capacity, then a Guardianship Order may be necessary. 

Summer 2024
Autumn 2024
Winter 2024

The Time To Live fund provides micro grants of up to £300 to enable carers to take a break  This could be a night away, hobby supplies or equipment, tv/magazine subscription, gym or fitness classes, or anything else that will make a difference to your wellbeing. 

The grants are for items or activities that will benefit carers in their caring role and/or will alleviate the additional strain carers may be experiencing as a direct result of their caring role. Examples of eligible items/activities include, but are not limited to:  

• Purchase of household items, fridges, freezers, beds washing machines etc. 

• Breaks for carers with or without the cared for 

• Short term or time limited replacement care 

• Essential home repairs 

• Costs associated with accessing courses and purchase of related materials 

• Purchase of IT and mobile phone equipment, software and data allowances 

• Transport costs related to caring e.g. transport to hospital 

• Driving lessons and tests 

Please contact the Adult Carers Team if you would like to apply for this on 01436 673444. 

Help is available  for people across Argyll and Bute who are struggling to access food and heat their homes. If you are on a low income and have no savings you could be eligible for the Flexible Food Fund grant. The grant is allocated over 2 payments. The first shortly after you apply and the second payment usually 4 weeks after the first. Argyll and Bute Flexible Food Fund (argyll-bute.gov.uk) 

Family Fund provides a wide range of grants to families living in Scotland raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child or young adult on a low income. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/schemes/scotland-core-programme/

Take a Break is Scotland’s short breaks fund for carers of disabled children, young people and their families. Take a Break grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment and much, much more. Take a Break | Scotland’s short breaks fund to support carers of disabled children and young people who have complex additional needs 

The Argyll & Bute Benefits and Grants webpage is here to support unpaid carers with helpful information on available benefits and grants. From Carer’s Allowance to local support, you'll find easy-to-follow details on how to apply and what you’re eligible for. It’s all designed to make life a little easier for unpaid carers, so you can get the financial support you deserve. Benefits and Grants | Argyll and Bute Council 

The Disability Grants website is a great resource for unpaid carers looking for financial support. It offers information on grants for care costs, equipment, home adaptations, and more. The site breaks down the application process and eligibility, making it easier to find the right help for your situation. Check it out to see what’s available and get the support you deserve! Disability Grants - Charitable Funding for the Disabled

The Turn2us Grants Search tool is a great way for unpaid carers to find financial support. It helps you easily search for grants and funding that may be available to assist with care costs, everyday expenses, and more. Simply enter a few details to discover grants that could make life a little easier. It’s free to use and can help you access support. Turn2us Grants Search

The Carers Card UK makes life a little easier for unpaid carers by offering discounts, special deals, and access to helpful services. It’s a simple way to get extra support, save money, and feel recognised for the amazing work you do. Carers Card UK - Carers ID Card