Carers Week: Seen and supported

💡 Did you know that the largest group of unpaid carers between 2010-2020 were people ahed 45-65? That’s a huge undertaking at any age, especially if they’re caring for loved ones who may need extra support later in life. 

With 1 in 7 carers in the UK juggling work and care, the pressure is real. That’s why Carers Week is here to shine a spotlight on the incredible role carers play, and we want to help spread awareness about the support available.

Am I a carer?

Carers UK define a carer as anyone who cares (unpaid) for family or friends who have a disability, illness or who need support in later life. This could mean you do their laundry, give medicine, or deal with doctors – amongst many other things.

You’re not alone

Caring can affect all aspects of life. But there’s lots of information and support out there to offer a helping hand.

Carers Week has created this helpful leaflet which has information about:

• • getting support
  • looking after yourself, and
  • taking care of your finances, including planning for the unexpected.

There’s also information on charities that can help you access the right information and guidance to help you in your caring role.

One of the Carers Week partners, Age UK, provides help and support to carers in many ways. This includes providing information on finding and arranging care, sharing advice on carer’s assessments and benefits, and providing day care and respite.

You can also get free, independent advice through the Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602.

The NHS also has lots of important information about care and support for those who have care and support needs, their carers, and people who are planning future care needs.

We hope this blog has been informative and that you now have a better understanding of what it means to be a carer, and where to turn for help and support during Carers Week and beyond.