There are around six million carers in the UK, which means approximately one in six households has a carer. Many people don't identify themselves as carers, but if you look after someone who's ill, frail, disabled or unable to cope, you are one.
A carer is someone who looks after a friend, family member or neighbour who is physically or mentally ill, elderly or disabled, or needs help with day-to-day living. This doesn't include professional care workers such as nurses in residential care homes or assistants employed by disabled people - carers aren't paid for their work.
NHS.uk provides advice and support for carers offering all the information you should need to get the financial help you’re entitled to, as well as advice on getting a break from caring, going to work and much more.
Advice for carers includes:
- Benefits for carers
- Caring for a child with complex needs
- Young carers' rights
- Support for young carers
- Carers' assessments
If you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to you the Carers Direct helpline service is available 7 days a week on 0300 123 1053.
Alternatively you can contact Carers Direct by:
Additional Advice
Further advice and support on being a carer can be found at the following links:
Support Groups
Talking to other carers can be helpful. The following organisations run support groups and provide advice, information and support on issues such as benefits and respite care.
- Carers Line: 0808 808 7777
- Email: info@carersuk.org
- Fact sheets
- Online Forum
Discussion boards
IndependentAge provides a downloadable Guide to Support for Carers.
Counselling Directory provides support and counselling for carers and as welll as a directory to help you find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you dealing with Carer Support.
Taking a break from Caring
There are several ways that you can take a break from caring and these are listed at:
Carer's Allowance, Carer Premium and Carer's Credit
You may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance & Carers Premium if you are over 16 and care for someone with a disability for more than 35 hours a week.
If you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week but dont qualify for Carer's Allowance you may be entitled to Carer's Credit.
If you found this useful please share it