I-0614 - Carers Support Service

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is commissioning a Carers Support Service with the following service aims:

• Carer identification - helping the person see themselves as a Carer and access appropriate support, including a 'carer flag' on their GP record if the person gives permission, to allow appropriate support;
• Operating through a strengths-based approach, encouraging Carers to recognise their strengths and identifying the support their family, friends and the local community can give them;
• Resolving Carer's issues or difficulties and enabling them to get appropriate support for their health needs and therefore slowing down or reducing further deterioration or preventing other needs forming;
• Supporting Carers to help reduce crisis demand;
• Seamless, holistic support providing continuity of care by working in a joined-up way with social care and health services;
• Increasing support for Carers to reduce the number of Cared for People being admitted into hospital and residential care;
• Improving health and wellbeing of the carer;
• Enabling Carers to enjoy a life of their own alongside their caring role and reducing social isolation;
• Enabling Carers to continue to care for the Cared for Person for as long as they wish;
• Providing peace of mind.