Carers

Quote / Testimonial:

Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you.

It is important that we know if you are a carer, so that we can make sure you receive information, services and the help that is available.

Many carers do not see themselves as carers because they see themselves as a parent, a spouse or partner, a son or daughter, a relative, friend or neighbour. But 1 in 10 of the population is a carer. And as a result many carers often miss out on services, support, advice and benefits which may be available and may help.

Individuals, irrespective of age, who provide or supervise a substantial amount of care on a regular basis to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who is unable to manage on their own due to factors including illness, disability, frailty, mental distress, impairment or substance abuse. A carer can be a child looking after an older person or parent, or an older person looking after a disabled partner. The definition may be quite wide-ranging.
 
The term “carer” would not normally apply if the person is:
• a paid carer
• a volunteer from a voluntary agency
• anyone providing personal assistance for payment

Contact Carers Direct

Telephone: 0808 802 0202

Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk

Office Hours: Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Non-urgent advice: Information & Support

A guide to care and support:  Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.

Caring for someone: Advice on providing care, medicines etc.

Care after hospital: Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.

Taking a break: Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

Support and benefits for carers: Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.

Work and Disability: Guidance, support and help with employment issues.

Being a young carer: Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support

Benefits for the under-65s: Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to.

Benefits for the over-65s: Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.

Carer’s Assement: How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

Other benefits: Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring