Support for Carers

Although looking after someone can be both very rewarding it can also be very demanding and may have a major impact on your life - it can for example:

• put you at risk of injury if you have to help someone with walking or getting out of bed
• wear you out, physically or emotionally if you never have a break
• make you feel isolated & lonely if you haven't time or energy to see friends & family
• cause financial difficulties especially if you are forced to give up work
• make you lose confidence if you have to stop work or give up activities/hobbies that gave you pleasure
• make you feel guilty, angry, frustrated and overwhelmed

Children who are carers can find things particularly difficult  -  trying to balance the responsibilities of caring and managing household tasks with the pressure of school and is an enormous physical and emotional strain is sometimes which can be too much - many skip school and suffer depression.

Community Care Services support for carers to help you continue in your caring role without putting your own health and well being at risk. This includes:

• sharing some care tasks with you
• short breaks for carers
• emergency care for the person you look after if you are ill or injured

see Related Content for more information

If you are a carer you are entitled to a FREE carers assessment to identify the support you need and want - for more information contact Community Care Services (see Contact Us)

The Princess Royal Trust Carer Service offer a telephone helpline 0118 9505177
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm 
This service is free to carers

Article		Description
	Support from Community Care Services	Support provided by Community Care to help carers who look after a dependent adult
	Breaks for Carers	What happens when you have a break
	Other Support for Carers	Other local organisations who provide support and services for carers
	Adult Protection/Safeguarding Adults From Abuse	Information and advice on protecting vulnerable adults from abuse
	A Practical Guide for Disabled People or Carers	Department of Health guide to rights and service
	Carers Emergency Plan	Ensuring dependents get the care they need in the event of illness or accident
	Direct Payments	A scheme offering you have more choice and control over the care services you receive
	Home Care Strategy 2008	How we plan to improve Home Care Services
	Mental Capacity Act 2005	Law protecting people who have limited capacity to make important decisions