Guidance for people who are carers

Are you a carer?

Many people will probably not realise they are a carer and would answer this question with a no, but actually what they don’t realise is that in fact they are. So ask yourself these questions, and if you answer YES to any of them, then you should definitely consider yourself a carer.

1. Do you regularly look after any of the following:
   1. A family member
   2. Partner
   3. Friend

2. Does that individual have any of the following that requires support from you to help them navigate daily life:
   1. Illness
   2. Frailty
   3. Disability
   4. Mental health problem
   5. Addiction
   6. Unable to cope without support

3. You’re not paid to look after them?

4. You perform any of the following to help them:
   1. Helping to wash or dress
   2. Assistance with meal preparation or eating
   3. Regularly taking the person to appointments
   4. Regularly doing their shopping
   5. Keeping them company

If you’ve answered yes to at least one of the above, then you are considered a carer.

Taking care of YOU

Carers are often what helps keep families together, enabling those they care for to get the most out of life, and making a huge contribution to society as well as saving the economy billions of pounds.

Many are stretched, as they juggle their role as a carer with work and family life and often battling with their own mental health, and if the person relies upon you solely to care for them, then it’s equally as important that you take care of yourself as much as you take care of them, sometimes putting your own needs first.

The benefits of taking a break should never be underestimated, whether it’s devoting time to meditation, seeing friends, or having a break away. Whatever your preference, having a dose of ‘me time’ to relax and unwind is vitally important in giving you the tools to continue being a carer.

There is lots of useful advice on Caring for Carers, but we specifically recommend carersuk.org who have a wealth of information and advice, particularly on your options for taking a bit of time out from being a carer, including information on:

• Benefits of taking a break
• What kind of break do you need
• Your options
• How can you make it happen
• What respite options are available
• Arranging short-term care
• Planning your break
• Help with the cost of a break
• How a break might affect your benefits

Click here to find out more and take care!

If you are interested in a career in providing care, click here to find out more about becoming a Personal Support Assistant with Hub Care Support.