Support for Caregivers
You might not think of yourself as a carer, because you're simply looking after someone you love. One in ten families worldwide live with a rare, complex or chronic disease.
Giving care might be how you're spending most of your time already, or it may gradually become that way over time. It's also common to feel helpless because the outcome you want is beyond your control.
We want to help you understand your role, to honour its importance and give you more access to the support which you may need in the uncertainty ahead.
If you provide regular care for someone in the UK, you're entitled to an assessment to understand what help you might need. Charities such as Carers UK can connect you to relevant help and services in your local area.
One in five unpaid carers find it challenging to cover costs when their circumstances change. If you're looking after someone with a terminal illness, you may be able to claim benefits. Your local Citizens Advice office can support you with your applications.
Macmillan have information to help you support someone living with cancer. They offer free practical, emotional and financial advice, which is often relevant for any terminal illness. They also host community forums especially for carers.
Marie Curie are experts in providing end-of-life care, no matter the illness. They support people living with an illness which they're likely to die from, and also the people close to them. They can help with day-to-day challenges and get you the support you need to keep going.
Specialist charities provide guidance to help you think about your own needs, when meeting the demands of a challenging, ongoing illness such as MND. They also offer support groups and online communities to connect families in similar situations.
You might be unsure whether what you do "counts" as being a carer, or if it's just part of everyday life. But caring isn't just a physical task, it also means giving emotional support. This is especially true for partners who live with severe mental illness.
Supporting someone in everyday life, with long-term health needs, can raise a lot of practical issues and cause emotional stress. You may need practical advice, a sympathetic ear, or simply to take a break. There are organisations who give that support.
The Cancer Care Map is an online resource, run by the Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund. It offers a search function to help UK families living with cancer find the support services they need in their local area. Palliative care is also available locally.