Some people are not aware that the help and support they provide to a family, friend or loved one is essentially entitled to various help and support as a carer.
Do you look after someone and provide them with unpaid care to a family member/partner/neighbour or friend? Could these people manage on a day to day basis without you?
If you answered yes to either of these questiond it is highly likely you are a carer
What is an unpaid carer?
A carer is an individual who helps 1 or more people living with an illness or disability with no payment. A carer can be a person of any age or gender and are amongst all of our communities.
Someone who may help with;
- Personal care/hygeine – helping someone to wash or dress themselves
- Domestic – helping someone to cook or clean on a regular basis
- Emotional – To be a shoulder to cry on. Someone who will listen and help understand what they want or need
- Financially – Help individuals to manager their finances from paying bills to weekly budgets
- Liasing – liasing with professionals such as clinicians, or keepung other important people up to date with any changes
There are a lot of people who do not recognise themselves as a carer which restricts the additional help they may also need. It is important to remember that a carers also need to look after themselves. In order to do this, they should be aware of what additional support they are entitled to.
S-O-T All Age Carers Service | North Staffs Carers (carersfirst.com)
The link above allows you to complete an online referral to find out how North staffs Carers can help you to help yourself