Don’t make assumptions about carers’ knowledge of what help is available.
It isn’t only new or ‘hidden’ carers who don’t know about their rights, benefits and available support; those who have cared for many years may still be missing out.
The benefits, health and social care systems can seem very complicated, so messages need to be simple and short.
Leave it to the experts
The best way to help carers with their entitlements is to make sure they understand about their rights, but if you aren’t confident with the detailed stuff, leave it to the experts. Your role is to signpost carers to where they can get the right help.
Make sure you're keeping things realistic
Sharing information materials can help to explain the basics to carers, but do be realistic. Tell them they might be able to claim, and they could be better off. Avoid words like ‘can’ or ‘will’ if talking about entitlement to services or benefits.
Use your newsletter
If you have a newsletter you can include information rights, benefits or available support: include a few simple tips in each issue.