A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who needs help with everyday tasks because they are ill, frail or disabled. Carers can be any age and may provide support in their own home or in the home of the person they care for. Being a carer can impact on your health, wellbeing, paid work and relationships.
As a carer you are entitled to information and advice and you may be able to get support to help you in your caring role, this includes:
- help with caring during the day or night or both
- a break / time off from caring (sometimes called respite care)
- financial and benefits advice
- emotional support from other carers or people who understand
For some services you will need to have a carer's assessment before we can agree the help that you need. In an emergency we will arrange the support and an assessment will take place as soon as possible afterwards.
If you are not looking after someone at the moment but are thinking about doing so in the near future you can also ask for help to find out about the options available to you.