Carers and Family Support

• Age UK. Age UK provides information and advice on many topics that you may need help with in later life, including money, care, health and housing. Age UK website
• Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove. Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove offers services for older people, their families and their carers. 0800 019 1310. Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove services
• CareSeekers. A free service that helps families find the right care home, care agency or live-in carer. 01483 203636
• Carers Support West Sussex. Carers Support West Sussex offers information, guidance and emotional support to unpaid carers in West Sussex. 0300 028 8888. Carers Support West Sussex website
• NHS flu vaccine. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance. Flu vaccine (NHS website). Ask us about getting your flu vaccine.

• Carer’s assessment. If you provide unpaid care to a relative, friend or neighbour, you are entitled to a free assessment of your needs, even if the person you care for has not had their needs assessed or is not receiving services from the County Council. Carers Support West Sussex carries out the majority of carers’ assessments on behalf of West Sussex County Council. Carer’s assessment (West Sussex County Council). Carer Assessments (Carers Support West Sussex)

For help with money, including Carer’s Allowance, see Money, Housing and Council Tax below.

• Alzheimer’s Society. Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity and offers information and support for people affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s Society website
• Dementia UK. Dementia UK’s specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free advice and support to help families care for a loved one. Dementia UK website
• Sage House. A dementia support centre in Tangmere, West Sussex. 01243 888691. Sage House website

• One Call Sussex. Ask your GP for a Proactive Care referral. If you are already under the team, call this number: 0300 373 7111
• Southern Water Priority Services Register. Extra support for customers who need it, including people with dementia, such as a password scheme and sending bills to a friend or carer. 0800 027 0800
• Taking Care (formerly Chichester Careline). Supplies emergency alarm buttons (there is a fee). 0800 085 7371. Taking Care website

• Carer’s Allowance. You may be able to get Carer’s Allowance if you are 16 or over and care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and they get certain disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits that you and the person you care for get, so check before you claim. Carer’s Allowance Unit: 0800 731 0297 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). Carer’s Allowance on GOV.UK
• Chichester District Council. 01243 785166. Housing Advice: 01243 534734
• Chichester District Council, council tax. 01243 534501. A person who is severely mentally impaired (for example, because of dementia) and receives certain benefits may not be counted for council tax. A certificate from their doctor is needed. This can reduce the bill by 25% or 50%, or the home may not have to pay council tax.
• GOV.UK Attendance Allowance helpline. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. 0800 731 0122. Attendance Allowance on GOV.UK