Being an unpaid carer can mean taking on a wide range of responsibilities, from helping with everyday tasks and appointments to supporting someone with a disability, illness or additional needs with getting washed and dressed.
In Scotland, carers have important rights and support available to them. One service that carers may also want to consider is the Priority Services Register (PSR).
What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register is a free service provided by energy companies and network operators to offer additional support to people who may need extra help.
Support can include priority assistance during an emergency, advance notice of planned power cuts where possible, accessible information and the ability to nominate someone, such as a family member or carer, to receive communications.
Importantly, carers can also register on behalf of someone they care for if that person has additional support needs.
Why might it be useful for carers?
If the person you care for relies on medical equipment, has mobility or communication difficulties, or would be particularly affected by a loss of power or water, being on the appropriate Priority Services Register can provide additional reassurance.
For example, energy companies may be able to provide extra support during a power cut, while Scottish Water can take a person’s circumstances into account during an interruption to their water supply. Scottish Water’s register can include people who need water for medical treatment, medication or essential hygiene, as well as people who need additional support at home.
What about Scottish Water?
Scottish Water has its own Priority Services Register, which is free and confidential. You can register yourself or on behalf of someone you care for.
Depending on individual circumstances, support may include alternative water supplies during an interruption, additional time when answering the door, a password scheme for visits and information about service interruptions.
How do you register?
For energy, you can contact your energy supplier and your network operator to ask about joining their Priority Services Register. If you have different suppliers for gas and electricity, you may need to contact them separately.
For Scottish Water, you can register directly through its Priority Services Register or contact Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778.
It’s also worth remembering that circumstances can change. Priority Services Registers can be updated if someone’s needs change, so carers should make sure the information held is kept up to date.
Don’t forget your rights as a carer
The Priority Services Register is just one form of support. Under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, carers have a right to an Adult Carer Support Plan if they appear to have a need for support. The plan considers how caring affects your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and what support you may need.
Being a carer can come with many responsibilities, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Understanding your rights and registering for appropriate support can help you prepare for situations when you or the person you care for may need extra assistance.
