Carers Direct

Are You a Carer?

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links to the site that we hope you will find useful.

  • Caring for a parent
    Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
  • Telling people
    Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
  • Taking a break
    Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
  • Housing and carers
    Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Carers support groups

Finance and Law
Help to claim benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

How your benefits may be affected by the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

  • Managing someone’s legal affairs
    Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
  • Other benefits
    Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelatedĀ to their disability or caring
  • Personal and household finance
    Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
  • Social fund
  • Tax credits
    Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible