Are you a carer?
Caring roles are varied and unique to every person. You could be giving lots of help or a little.
You don't have to be living with the person you care for, and the help you give doesn't have to be physical.
If any of the below situations are familiar to you, a carers assessment may be able to offer support. You can also refer somebody else if you think they might benefit from extra support.
Who you may be looking after
You may be caring for a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. For example, it may be someone who:
- has a physical or learning disability
- has a mental health condition
- is living with dementia
- has sight, hearing or communication difficulties
- has a long-term health condition
- misuses drugs or alcohol
Tasks you may help with
The intensity of a caring role can vary greatly. Some people might provide support all day every day. Some might carry out multiple caring roles. Some might be providing lower levels of support, such as helping out with shopping or collecting medication.
You may be helping with:
- household activities like shopping, cleaning or gardening
- personal finances, paperwork and administration
- transportation
- personal care, such as washing and dressing
- going to the toilet or dealing with incontinence
- eating or taking medicines
- getting about at home or outside
- practical things, like companionship
- counselling, emotional support or communicating
- attending appointments
- picking up prescriptions