Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to join S&DCSG?

Nothing. Our services are free to any Carer who chooses to join us.

Can I claim Carers Allowance?

Who is entitled? – A person aged 16 or over who spends at least 35 hours a week looking after someone receiving:
Attendance Allowance; or
Constant Attendance Allowance; or
Disability Living Allowance (at the highest or middle rate of care component)
Carer’s Allowance is not payable if you are in full-time education of 21 hours or more each week or if you earn more than £95.00 week net after allowable expenses.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance?

Who is entitled? – A person who:
Becomes disabled, or who did not claim, before age 65 and has been disabled for at least six months;
Has needed help by day or night or both; or
Needs informal attendance or supervision to use a kidney machine at home or in a self care unit at least twice a week.
To get Attendance Allowance, the disability must be severe enough to need:
Help with things such as washing (and getting in or out of the bath or shower), dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating needs, or supervision to avoid putting themselves or others in substantial danger, for example, needing someone to keep an eye on your medical condition or diet, or someone with you when you are on dialysis.
You can get Attendance Allowance, even if no one is actually giving you the care you need – even if you are alone. The Decision Maker decides what evidence is needed to help determine entitlement and this could include a medical examination by a doctor or advice from doctors.
NB – Attendance Allowance is claimed by or on behalf of the Cared-for and not the Carer, although it is often the Carer who has to complete the form on behalf of a loved one.

What are the benefits of being a member of S&DCSG?

Being a member of S&DCSG gives you access to all types of information about being a Carer. We are able to put you in touch with any groups appropriate to your needs and to keep you up-to-date with changes in legislation, benefits, etc. Our bi-monthly newsletters keep you abreast of any new services available and our 24-hour, 7-days-a-week helpline enables you to contact us any time of night or day, should you require information, practical support or simply a shoulder to cry on. We also arrange free outings at least twice a year, such as our Summer Tea and our Christmas Lunch. This enables you to meet up with people in a similar situation to you and to take a short respite from your caring duties. You can bring your Cared-For with you, if you wish, or we can arrange for respite care to enable you to attend. Transport is also provided. In addition to this, we also hold regular monthly Coffee Mornings for Carers and have a new Drop-In Information for Carers in Selsey High Street.

Can you visit me in my own home?

For those of you who are unable to get out and about, but who would like to have someone to talk to, we now offer a Befriending Service. If you feel you would benefit from this type of
service, please telephone the office on 01243 603602 (or call the Helpline) and we will try to arrange for someone to visit you.

Can you do my shopping, call in an emergency or sit with my cared-for?

S&DCSG volunteers are not able to do these things ourselves, but we would be able to point you in the right direction to access these types of services.

Can you recommend a nursing / rest home?

Whilst we keep a list of the local homes on our books, we do not feel able to show bias to a particular home. We feel that everyone has specific, individual needs and that the choice should be a personal one. We are, however, able to point you in the direction of a comparative care guide provided by West Sussex County Council.

Do you know of a male carer?

S&DCSG would be able to put in touch with various agencies that could provide you with a male carer.

Do I have to leave when my loved one dies?

No. S&DCSG have many Former Carers who still form a vital part of the Group. Several Former Carers continue as members for many years, not only benefitting from mutual support, but also contributing to the support network for Active Carers. We do, however, make a small annual charge of £10 to those who have been Former Carers for more than 2 years. This is simply to cover the cost of outings and administration.

Do you want articles for the newsletters?

Yes please. Contributions from our members are always very welcome and add a personal touch to our newsletters.

Do you want bric-a-brac, etc. for Car Boot Sales?

Yes please. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure! We are always grateful for any donations of nearly new or well-looked after bric-a-brac. We are, however, not able to take clothes.

Can I belong to the Group if I cannot attend the meetings?

Of course you can. We realise that many of you are unable to get out and about, but we hope that you find the newsletters and the helpline a good substitute. Don’t forget that you can drop in and see us at our new Information and Support Centre on the High Street in Selsey. Please feel free to bring your Cared-For along with you.

What transport is available?

We always try to offer Carers transport to and from our events, such as the Summer Tea and the Christmas Lunch. In addition we can offer to help with taxis to and from local hospital, doctor’s surgery and dentist appointments.

Do you give advice?

S&DCSG are here to support you in your daily life as a Carer. We try not to give specific advice, but would always be able to point you in the right direction to get it from the appropriate source. Please feel free to call us or drop in to see us. We have a mountain of information on Caring matters, benefits, etc that we can access on your behalf.

Can I phone the Helpline at any time?

Yes. We operate a 24 hour 7-days-a-week Helpline, which you are welcome to call at any time, including holidays. If there is no answer, please leave a message and one of our volunteers will get back to you as soon as they can.