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Long term care Support for carers

Carer

Carers may be entitled to financial and practical support

Up to six million people care for others, with over one in five carers looking after someone for more than 50 hours a week. Read on to find out about support for carers.

What financial support is available for carers?

You may be entitled to the Carer’s Allowance of £53.90 per week if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring. Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 01253 856 123 (02890 906186 in Northern Ireland) or claim Carer's Allowance online.

If you care for an adult with a Disabled Persons Railcard (UK, not Northern Ireland), you receive the same discount as them when travelling together.

What practical help is available for carers?

Arrange a Carer's Assessment with the local council of the person you care for. You might be offered counselling, housework, a regular break from caring (respite), equipment to help you, or even the cost of driving lessons or a mobile phone. 

If a cared-for person refuses care, you can arrange your own assessment to see if you can get extra help, such as a cleaner.

What are carers' employment rights?

You have the right to request flexible working, such as flexible starting or finishing times or part-time working, if you have been an employee for 26 weeks and care for an adult who’s a relative or lives with you. Write to your employer asking for the changes you would like and explain why they will help.

Carers are entitled to take a reasonable amount of time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependent, such as if they fall ill, though this could be unpaid.

Where else can carers get support?

Let your GP and council know that you’re a carer, as part of planning for any future emergencies. Discuss with family and friends how they could help.

You can chat to other carers at local carers groups – your local council’s website may list these. There are several internet discussion forums, including Carers Connect, Carers UK and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Charities offer help for carers of people with certain conditions. For instance, Admiral Nurses from charity For Dementia specifically support carers.

For further guidance on organising care and accommodation for an older person, buy Care Options in Retirement by Margaret Wallace and Phillip Spiers (published in 2008).