Recognising your own needs
Family carers often put their own needs last. Recognising the toll caring can take — physically and emotionally — is the first step to getting the right support.
Ask for a carer's assessment
Family carers can ask their local council for a carer's assessment, separate from the assessment of the person they care for, to identify support that could help, such as respite care.
Using respite care
Planned or occasional respite care gives family carers a genuine break, while the person they care for continues to receive good support.
Connecting with other carers
Local and national carer support organisations offer peer support, advice and sometimes practical help such as emergency planning for carers.
Combining family and professional care
Many families combine their own caring role with professional visits, allowing family members to focus on relationship and companionship rather than every practical task.
Common questions
What is a carer's assessment?
It's an assessment by your local council specifically about your own needs as a carer, separate to any assessment of the person you look after.