Caring For Carers

We explain how you, as a carer, can get the support you need – and deserve.

- Wendy Glass

There are 6.5 million carers in the UK, each devoting their time, energy and love to providing unpaid care to a relative or friend who couldn’t manage without their help.

“Caring can cover a multitude of tasks,” says Charlotte Argyle of Macmillan Cancer Support. This is one of the eight national charities involved in Carers Week 2017, which is from June 12-18 and celebrates, recognises and supports the UK’s carers.

“From washing, dressing and taking to the toilet, to giving injections and managing a catheter, to everyday tasks such as shopping and picking up prescriptions as well as providing much needed emotional support.”

Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience. However, it can also be physically and mentally exhausting – to say nothing of the strain it can place on relationships – and if a carer has to give up work or reduce their hours, it can also place a strain on the family budget.

“Many carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, ill-health, emotional stress, relationship breakdown and isolation,” agrees Charlotte, who adds that many carers don’t even realise they are carers and, as a result, are missing out on vital support and assistance.

“All too often, carers are so busy caring that they overlook their own needs or don’t know how to find support. However, there is help available from the local authority, from charities such as Macmillan, and from local carers’ centres.”

The Carers Week website,  www.carersweek.org, provides information about the help and support available and how to access that support, including the Carer’s Allowance, which is a weekly benefit paid to some full-time carers.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOWABOUT ASKING FOR HELP