Caring for someone in Buckinghamshire?
At Carers Bucks we're working with Bridgit Care, to help carers like you.
This online app provides help to anyone helping a friend or family member in Buckinghamshire. From accessing benefits, to finding support groups, or tips to look after the person you care for, and much more.
Click Get Started to meet and chat with your online AI team and access trusted support tailored to you in Buckinghamshire.
Meet your coaches!
Below are some examples of the coaches you can access and the areas they can provide advice on
Practical Care Advice
Colin provides relevant, hands-on guidance for everyday caring tasks. He explains personal care, medication routines, mealtimes and mobility support in simple steps so you feel more confident at home.
Staying Safe at Home
Colin helps you make your home safer with easy safety tips, equipment suggestions and daily habits that reduce risks and support independent living.
Carer’s Assessment Explained
If you’re unsure what support you are entitled to, Colin explains the Carer’s Assessment, how to request one and what help your local authority may offer.
Understanding Falls & Prevention
Falls can be worrying, but many are avoidable. Colin shares practical advice to lower fall risks, what to do if one happens and how to support emotional and physical recovery.
Your Support as a Carer
Caring can be challengingtough, but you are not alone. Colin helps you find emotional support, local carer groups, respite opportunities and wellbeing resources.
Eat and Drink Well
Wendy provides small, simple changes to food and drink that can boost your energy, mood and overall health — without adding extra stress.
Take Time Out
Breaks matter. Wendy helps you create short pauses into your day so you can rest, reset and recharge.
Mental Health Matters
Your feelings are valid. Wendy offers gentle tips and simple strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Pause, breathe and begin again. Wendy takes you through grounding exercises, breathing techniques and short meditations you can use anytime.
Your Wellbeing Support Hub
If you’re unsure where to start, Wendy signposts toolkits, tips and support networks available to carers in Buckinghamshire.
Understanding Benefits
Farida explains benefits you may be entitled to, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. She breaks everything down in plain, simple language.
Carer’s Allowance Explained
If you care for someone for 35 hours or more a week, Farida explains the rules for Carer’s Allowance and how to apply.
Paying Bills with Confidence
Farida shares practical ways to manage monthly bills, reduce costs and avoid late fees.
Managing Debt
If money feels overwhelming, Farida offers step-by-step suggestions for dealing with debt and signposts free, confidential advice.
Everyday Financial Advice
Farida gives practical suggestions on budgeting, saving money and planning weekly spending — whether you support one person or your whole family.
You can also explore coaches and support on:
self-care,
personal development,
employment and work,
hospital and discharge support,
physical health,
welfare and legal issues,
mental health and emotional wellbeing.
About Carers Bucks
Carers Bucks is a dedicated charity supporting unpaid carers and young carers in Buckinghamshire, catering to individuals aged 5 to 95 and above. The organisation provides a comprehensive range of services including information, advice, guidance, and emotional support to those who look after someone who cannot manage without assistance due to illness, frailty, or disability. Carers Bucks offers a new online support tool in partnership with Bridgit Care, enabling carers to access tailored information, advice, and create personal support plans. The charity also runs fundraising initiatives, such as donation drives and participation in the Buckinghamshire Lottery, to support its mission. Carers Bucks encourages community involvement through events and challenges, and provides direct contact options for support and fundraising queries via phone (0300 777 2722) and email (mail@carersbucks.org). Their services are designed to make a tangible difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire.
Common Carer Questions!
Once you've accessed our online help, you can chat with your coaches and ask anything you want.
Here's some common questions asked by people looking after friends and family members across the UK.
When you chat with the coaches you'll get local answers for Buckinghamshire.
You are an unpaid carer if you look after a friend, family member, or neighbor who requires support because of illness, disability, a mental health problem, or addiction, and you are not paid for this help. Your care duties can include practical help like assisting with washing, dressing, and shopping, or providing emotional support, and it can take anywhere from a few hours a week to 24/7.
You may be an unpaid carer if:
- You help someone with daily activities, such as washing, dressing, or eating.
- You take them to regular appointments or run errands for them.
- You provide emotional support or simply keep them company.
- You help someone with daily activities, such as washing, dressing, or eating.
- You are not getting paid by a company or local authority for the care you provide.
- The person you care for cannot cope without your help due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or an addiction.
Important considerations:
- You do not have to live with the person you are caring for to be considered an unpaid carer.
- You do not have to think of yourself as a carer to get support; if caring responsibilities are affecting your life, you may be entitled to help.
- You can be an unpaid carer regardless of the amount of time you spend caring for someone.
Next steps
- If you believe you are an unpaid carer, it is important to be aware of the impact it can have on your own well-being and to explore the support you may be entitled to.
- You can check what financial support you might be entitled to by getting a benefits check online.
- You can request a carer's assessment from your local council to get a better understanding of your needs and the support available.
To get a Carer's Assessment, contact your local council's adult social services or, if you are a parent of a disabled child, the children with disabilities department. You can do this by phone or online through the GOV.UK website to find your local council's details. You can also call helplines for organizations like Carers UK or Contact for support.
Steps to request an assessment
- Contact your local council: Find and contact your local council's adult social services department. You can do this via phone or through their website.
- Contact the children's services: If you are a parent or carer of a disabled child, you should contact the children with disabilities department at your local council.
- Use a helpline: If you need help or advice on how to contact your council, you can call the Carers UK national helpline on 0800 808 7777 or Contact, the charity for families with disabled children.
- Mention you are a carer: Explain that you are providing regular care to someone who is ill, disabled, or elderly, and that you would like to have a carer's assessment.
Key things to know
- It's free: Carer's assessments are free to everyone over 18.
- It can be done with the person you care for: You can ask to have a carer's assessment at the same time as the person you care for has their own needs assessment.
- It's for you, not just them: The assessment focuses on your needs as a carer, including your health, well-being, and ability to continue caring.
To apply for Carer's Allowance, you can use the online service via the official government website or apply by post using a paper form. Applying online is generally the quicker and simpler method.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the main eligibility requirements:
- You must care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.
- The person you care for must receive certain disability benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, or others.
- There is an earnings limit if you are working (check the latest figure on the GOV.UK website).
Information Needed to Apply
Gather the following details for yourself and the person you care for before starting your application:
- Your details: National Insurance number (and your partner's if you have one), bank or building society details, employment details (payslips or P45 if you recently stopped working), and details of any educational courses you are taking.
- The person you care for's details: Full name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number (or Disability Living Allowance reference if under 16), and which disability benefit they receive.
How to Apply
Online Application
This is the recommended method for most applicants.
- Visit the official government page: Apply for Carer's Allowance online.
- Select "Apply now" and follow the step-by-step instructions to fill in the online form.
- You can save your progress if you need to gather more information.
If you live in Scotland, you need to apply for the Carer Support Payment instead of Carer's Allowance through the mygov.scot website.
Postal Application
If you cannot apply online, you are able to download a form or request one by phone.
- Download and print the appropriate form from the GOV.UK Carer's Allowance claim form page:
- Use form DS700 if you are under State Pension age.
- Use form DS700(SP) if you get a State Pension.
- Request a form by calling the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 (Textphone: 0800 731 0317).
- Fill in the form carefully using black ink if writing by hand, or by typing into the digital form before printing.
- Post the completed form to the address provided on the form.
Tips for Your Application
- You can make a claim up to 3 months before you become eligible (e.g., before the person you care for starts receiving their disability benefit).
- You can also backdate your claim by up to 3 months if you met the eligibility criteria earlier.
For independent help and advice, you can contact charities like Carers UK, Carers Trust, or Citizens Advice.
Yes, you can work and claim Carer's Allowance, as long as you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone and your earnings are no more than £196 a week after deductions. These deductions include tax, National Insurance, and half of your pension contributions. You must also ensure the person you care for receives a qualifying disability benefit.
Key eligibility and earnings rules
- Caring hours: You must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for the person.
- Earnings limit: Your weekly earnings must not exceed £196 after deductions for things like tax, National Insurance, and half of your pension contributions.
- Disability benefit: The person you are caring for must be receiving a qualifying disability benefit, such as the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance.
- Full-time education: You cannot be in full-time education (defined as 21 hours a week or more).
Important considerations
- Effect on other benefits: Claiming Carer's Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you are caring for. For example, it may reduce or stop their Severe Disability Premium. You should check the impact on their benefits before you claim.
- Deductions: You can deduct certain expenses from your earnings to stay within the limit, including up to 50% of your pension contributions and some work-related expenses.
- Other benefits: If you get other benefits like Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, you must inform HMRC of your Carer's Allowance claim.
Help for unpaid carers includes financial benefits like Carer's Allowance, practical support through a Carer's Assessment from the local council, and emotional and physical support through services like respite care, technology, and support groups. There are also grants, local resources, and helplines to provide further assistance.
Financial support
- Carer's Allowance: The main government benefit for carers who meet specific criteria, such as caring for at least 35 hours a week and the person you care for receiving certain disability benefits.
- Carer's Credit: A National Insurance credit that can help you build up your state pension entitlement if you don't qualify for Carer's Allowance.
- Other benefits: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other benefits.
- Grants: You may be able to get one-off grants for things like respite care or equipment from organisations like the Carers Trust.
- Disabled Facilities Grant: A grant from your local authority to help with the cost of making adaptations to a home, such as installing a stairlift or widening doorways.
Practical and local support
- Carer's Assessment: Your local council must offer a free Carer's Assessment to help determine the help you need, which could include things like respite care, social activities, or help with your work and career.
- Local support services: Your local council may provide additional support, some of which might be charged for based on your financial situation.
- Technology: You can get information on how technology can assist you with your caring role.
Emotional and wellbeing support
- Counselling services: Many organizations offer counselling and emotional support specifically for carers.
- Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a space to connect with others in similar situations.
- Respite care: Taking a break from caring is crucial for your wellbeing and can be arranged through various means.
Where to get help and advice
- Carers UK: Offers a helpline and a variety of resources on their website.
- Citizens Advice: Provides expert advice on benefits and other issues.
- NHS: The NHS website has a dedicated section on help for carers with links to various resources and benefits.
- Other charities: Organisations like the Carers Trust and Age UK can offer specific support and advice.
To get respite care, start by talking about your needs with the person you care for and then contact your local council to request a carer's assessment. The council will assess both your needs and the needs of the person you care for to determine the type of support available, which may include funded respite care. Alternatively, you can privately arrange and pay for a carer or use the services of organizations like the Carers Trust or Carers UK.
Steps to take
- Talk to the person you care for: Discuss the need for a break and what arrangement would work best for both of you.
- Request a carer's assessment: Contact your local council to arrange a carer's assessment, which is a crucial step for getting support, even if you think you won't qualify for financial help.
- Request a needs assessment: The person you care for should also have a separate needs assessment from the council to identify their support requirements.
- Explore council-funded options: The council may provide or help fund respite care based on the assessments. This can include in-home care, short-term stays in a residential home, or other services.
- Arrange private respite care: You can choose to hire and pay for a private care worker yourself, either for a few hours or longer, depending on your needs.
- Contact charities and organizations: Charities like the Carers Trust and Carers UK can provide information, support, and help you find local respite options.
- Look for other resources: Websites like the NHS and the Care Quality Commission can help you find information on homecare and other providers.
Carers have rights in employment, including the right to up to five days of unpaid carer's leave per year and the right to request flexible working arrangements. They are additionally protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. In the healthcare system, carers have the right to request a free flu jab and a carer's assessment to receive support and information for their role.
Employment rights
- Carer's Leave: Employees can take up to five days of unpaid leave for each year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. This right applies from the first day of employment.
- Carer's Leave: Employees can take up to five days of unpaid leave for each year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. This right applies from the first day of employment.
- Flexible Working: Employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements.
- Protection from discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 protects carers from being treated unfairly at work because of their caring responsibilities. This includes discrimination by association, meaning you cannot be treated less favourably because you care for someone who is disabled or has a chronic illness.
- Emergency time off: Carers have the right to take unpaid time off work during an emergency.
Healthcare and social care rights
- Carer's Assessment: You can request a carer's assessment to discuss how caring affects your life and what support you need.
- Free flu jab: You have the right to request a free flu jab from your GP practice.
- GP identification: You can ask your GP practice to be identified as a carer.
- Hospital discharge: You have the right to be consulted when the person you care for is being discharged from the hospital.
- Right to support: You have the same right to support to maintain your health and wellbeing as the person you care for.
Other rights and support
- Information and advice:
You have a right to information and advice to help you in your caring role.
- Financial support:
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to benefits such as the Carer's Allowance and National Insurance credits.
- Social life and community:You have the right to a social life, to maintain relationships, and to be a valued part of the community
To get financial help as a carer, start by having a benefits check to see what you're entitled to, which can include Carer's Allowance. You should also contact your local council for a carer's assessment, which can lead to more support. Don't forget to explore support from charities like Carers Trust and look into other potential benefits, grants, and discounts.
1. Check your eligibility for benefits
- Get a benefits check: Use an online benefits checker to see what you may be entitled to, as this can include Carer's Allowance, tax credits, or council tax discounts.
- Apply for Carer's Allowance: This is the main benefit for carers. You can apply online or by post. You'll need details like your National Insurance number, bank details, and information about the person you care for.
- Explore other benefits: You may also be eligible for other benefits like Carer's Credit, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit, depending on your circumstances.
2. Contact your local council
- Request a carer's assessment: Contact your local council's social services department to ask for a carer's assessment. This can lead to more support for you or the person you care for.
- Ask about local schemes: Your council may also offer local grants, welfare assistance, or support schemes that you can apply for.
3. Explore support from charities
- Contact Carers Trust: They can provide grants, often for things like respite care, and can also help you with applications for other benefits. You can apply through your local Carers Trust service.
- Use the Turn2us grants search: This tool can help you find charities and grants you may be eligible for.
4. Other options
- Motability Scheme: If the person you care for receives a qualifying mobility benefit, they may be able to use it to get a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter through this scheme.
- Contact your bank: Your bank or building society may have specialist teams that can offer support if you are struggling with finances, such as payment holidays or help with debt management.
Yes, you can get help caring for someone with dementia, autism, or a disability through a combination of local government support, financial benefits, and charity services in the UK.
Step 1: Get a Carer's Assessment
The first step to getting support is to request a carer's assessment from the adult social services department of your local council. This free assessment looks at how caring affects your life and work and determines what might make your life easier. It can recommend various forms of practical support, such as:
- Someone to step in and provide a break (respite care).
- Training in safe lifting techniques.
- Help with household tasks like shopping and cleaning.
- Putting you in touch with local support groups.
Even if you don't think you're eligible for council-funded help, you are still entitled to an assessment and information about available support.
Step 2: Check Financial Support and Benefits
You may be eligible for financial assistance, which is often not means-tested (not affected by your income or savings).
- Carer's Allowance: A weekly benefit of £83.30 (current rate, check for annual changes) if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive a qualifying disability benefit (such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance).
- Carer's Credit: A National Insurance credit that helps protect your future State Pension entitlement, even if you don't qualify for Carer's Allowance or are not working.
- Benefits for the cared-for person: The person you care for may be eligible for benefits like Attendance Allowance (if over pension age) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (if under pension age) to help with the extra costs of living with a disability.
- Other help: This can include Council Tax Reductions, Disabled Facilities Grants for home adaptations, and Universal Credit if you're on a low income.
Step 3: Seek Support from Charities and Helplines
Several charities offer specific advice, emotional support, and local services for carers:
- Carers UK: Offers a helpline on 0800 808 7777 and online forums for sharing experiences and advice.
- Dementia UK: Provides a free Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline at 0800 888 6678 for specialist support.
- Alzheimer's Society: Runs a Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 and offers local support services.
- National Autistic Society: Provides advice and guidance on benefits and social care for autistic individuals and their carers.
- Age UK: Offers an advice line on 0800 678 1602 and local services, including day centres and befriending services.
- Citizens Advice: Can help you understand your options and apply for benefits.
It is also recommended to register as a carer with your GP, as this can help you access further support and information
To support your mental health as a carer, prioritize self-care by setting aside time for enjoyable activities, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and proper nutrition, and staying connected with others through support groups or friends and family. It's also crucial to acknowledge your feelings, seek professional help like therapy or talking to your GP when needed, and learn to set boundaries to avoid burnout.
Prioritize self-care and well-being
- Schedule personal time: Make regular time for activities you enjoy, even if it's just 10 minutes a day for a cup of tea or a short walk.
- Focus on healthy habits: Make sleep a priority, eat a balanced diet, and incorporate regular exercise, as these all boost your mood and energy.
- Practice relaxation: Try mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress, or engage in relaxing activities like a warm bath or listening to music.
Stay connected and seek support
- Connect with others: Stay in touch with friends and family. Join support groups or online communities for carers to share experiences and advice.
- Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask loved ones for support or to access respite care when possible.
- Seek professional help: Talk to a GP, or consider free NHS talking therapies like counseling to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies.
Manage your emotions and workload
- Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize that it is normal to feel stress, frustration, or guilt. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to things that are too much to handle to avoid overwhelm and burnout.
- Stay organized: A daily routine can help reduce feelings of chaos.
- Celebrate small wins: Take time to focus on the positives. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your mindset.
You need to provide at least 35 hours of care per week to be eligible for Carer's Allowance. This can include various tasks like helping with washing and cooking, taking someone to appointments, or managing their household bills.
Key requirements for Carer's Allowance
- Hours of care: You must spend a minimum of 35 hours a week caring for someone.
- Other eligibility criteria: You must also be 16 or over, not be in full-time education, and the person you care for must be receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
- Income: You can still claim Carer's Allowance if you are working, as long as you earn no more than $151 a week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.
- Care for one person: The 35 hours of care must be for a single person, and you cannot combine hours spent caring for different individuals.
A Carer's Assessment is a discussion with a local authority professional to identify the needs of an unpaid carer and determine what support they may be eligible for. It includes a discussion about how caring affects your physical and mental health, work, education, and social life, as well as your current caring role, your strengths and interests, and what would help you. The assessment helps create a support plan to enable you to achieve your personal goals.
What a Carer's Assessment includes:
- Your caring role: You will discuss the types of tasks you perform, how much time you spend caring, and how you feel about your role.
- Your health: The assessment will look at how caring affects your physical and mental well-being.
- Your work and social life: It will explore how caring impacts your ability to work, study, and engage in hobbies or social activities.
- Your personal strengths and interests: You can talk about your hobbies and other activities you enjoy.
- Emergency planning: You'll discuss what would happen in an emergency.
- Future planning: The assessment will consider your willingness and ability to continue caring in the future.
After the assessment:
- You will receive a copy of the assessment and information on potential support.
- You may receive a Carer's Support Plan, which can include services like respite care, training, or help with tasks.
- A financial assessment could be conducted to determine how much you need to contribute to the cost of services.
- The support plan will be reviewed to ensure it remains appropriate for your needs.
To get help from social services for someone you care for, contact your local council's adult social care department or use their online referral form. You can also ask a professional like a GP to make a referral or contact a support helpline, such as Carers UK on 0808 808 7777. Social services will likely carry out an assessment to determine the type of support needed.
Steps to take
- Contact your local council: Find and call your local council's adult social care department to request an assessment for the person you care for. You can also check their website for online referral forms.
- Request a carer's assessment: As the carer, you can also request a carer's assessment to see if you are eligible for support.
- Seek professional referrals: A GP or other professionals working with the person can also make a referral to social services on your behalf.
- Use a helpline: You can call free helplines for advice and support, such as Carers UK on 0808 808 7777 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.
- Prepare for the assessment: Be ready to discuss the person's needs and how the current caring situation is affecting both of you.
What to expect
- Care needs assessment: The council will review the person's needs to determine what kind of care and support is required.
- Carer's assessment: You will be assessed to see what support is available for you as a carer.
- Financial assessment: If the council agrees to provide services for which they charge, you may have to undergo a financial assessment to determine how much you can afford to contribute.
A needs assessment focuses on the individual who is being cared for, determining their support needs due to illness, disability, or other reasons. A carer's assessment, on the other hand, is a separate evaluation for the unpaid person providing care, focusing on their own needs and the impact the caring role has on their life. While they are distinct, both assessments can be done at the same time for convenience.
Needs assessment
- Who it's for: The individual who requires care.
- What it assesses: The specific support the person needs, such as equipment, home adaptations, or practical help from a paid carer.
- Purpose: To determine what services and support are needed to improve the person's quality of life.
- Examples: A walking frame, a walk-in shower, or help with personal care.
Carer's assessment
- Who it's for: The unpaid carer providing support.
- What it assesses: The carer's own needs, such as their emotional, physical, and mental health, and how the caring role affects their ability to work, have a social life, and maintain their independence.
- Purpose: To identify support for the carer, which can include practical help, respite care, or financial assistance.
- Examples: Help with taxi fares for hospital appointments or temporary care to give the carer a break.
The person you care for may get benefits like Universal Credit (including the carer element) and Pension Credit if they are State Pension age. They might also qualify for Attendance Allowance to help with personal care costs if they are over State Pension age and have a disability or health condition.
Benefits for the person you care for
- Universal Credit: If the person you care for is on a low income, they may be eligible for Universal Credit, which can include a carer element for unpaid carers.
- Pension Credit: This is a benefit for older people on a low income. Receiving the Pension Credit can be affected if you claim Carer's Allowance, as the person may lose the severe disability addition.
- Attendance Allowance: This is a tax-free, weekly benefit for people over State Pension age who have a disability or health condition severe enough to need help with personal care.
- Carer's Allowance (if they are the carer): While this is claimed by the carer, the person being cared for may be affected by it. For example, if you claim Carer's Allowance, the person you are caring for will likely lose their severe disability premium or the severe disability addition to Pension Credit.
Other benefits and help
- Health Costs: The person you care for may be eligible for help with costs for prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests through schemes like the NHS Low Income Scheme.
- Housing and Heating: They may be able to get help with housing costs, such as Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
- Local Council support: They may be able to get other local welfare assistance or support from their local council.
Where to get advice
- Citizens Advice: This organization can provide advice on a wide range of benefits and entitlements.
- MoneyHelper: They offer information and guidance on benefits for carers and those they support.
- Carers Trust: This organization has resources and advice specifically for carers.
If you are experiencing a crisis and temporarily cannot care for yourself or someone else due to an emergency (such as a medical, mental health, or safety issue), you should seek immediate help by using emergency services.
Immediate Action
- Contact your local emergency services:
- Clearly state the nature of the emergency to the operator (e.g., "I am having a medical emergency and cannot care for my children," or "I am a caregiver experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support").
Non-Emergency Situations/Planning Ahead
If the situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, or if you are planning for potential future crises, there are other resources available:
- Adult Protective Services (APS): If the person you are caring for is an elderly or vulnerable adult, APS can step in to ensure their safety during your emergency. You can typically find your local APS number via a web search.
- Child Protective Services (CPS) / Local Social Services: If you have minor children who will be unsupervised during a sudden emergency hospitalization or crisis, contact child welfare services. They have protocols for temporary emergency placement.
- Caregiver Support Hotlines: Many organizations offer 24/7 hotlines that provide resources and advice for caregivers in crisis.
If you are a caregiver who needs help planning for a future emergency backup plan, resources such as the Family Caregiver Alliance offer guidance on creating a contingency plan.
If the person you care for goes into hospital, it is important to inform hospital staff that you are a carer and contact your local council for a care needs assessment for them, especially if the admission is sudden. The hospital will assess the person's needs, create care plans, and arrange for discharge support. You should also be aware that certain benefits, such as Carer's Allowance and some disability benefits, may stop after 28 days in hospital, so it is crucial to notify the relevant departments of the admission and discharge.
Actions to take
- Inform hospital staff:
Tell the hospital staff that you are the carer. They can provide support, explain care plans, and involve you in decisions.
- Contact the local council:
Inform your local council's adult social services department about the admission. Request a care needs assessment for the person you care for, especially if their needs are expected to change.
- Notify other agencies:
Inform the person's GP, any other care providers (like home care agencies), and those paying your benefits (like the DWP).
- Check emergency plans:
If the person already has a support plan with the council, check to see if it includes emergency plans that can be activated.
What to expect from the hospital
- Involvement in care:
Hospital staff should listen to your views and involve you in the person's treatment and care plans.
- Discharge planning:
A discharge assessment will be conducted to see if the person needs ongoing support after leaving the hospital. A support plan will be put in place.
- Support after discharge:
The hospital may provide support for a short period to help the person adjust, which could include help with tasks and training to do things independently.
Benefit implications
- Carer's Allowance: This benefit will likely stop after 28 days.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) / Adult Disability Payment (ADP): These payments typically stop after 28 days for adults, but continue for those under 18.
- Reporting changes: You must inform the relevant government department about the admission and discharge to ensure benefits are stopped and restarted correctly.
To balance caring with working, set clear boundaries, master time management by creating a schedule, and communicate openly with your employer about your needs and legal rights. Prioritize self-care, ask for help from family or professional services, and build a strong support system to avoid burnout and manage your responsibilities effectively.
At work
- Communicate with your employer: Inform your employer about your caregiving situation. They may be able to offer support like flexible hours, remote work, or help you understand your rights to time off for emergencies or carer's leave.
- Know your rights: Be aware of your legal rights, such as the right to take time off for emergencies and the right to not be discriminated against due to your caregiving role.
- Set boundaries: Stick to set work hours and avoid checking work communications during personal time to create a separation between your professional and personal life.
At home
- Create a schedule: Develop a weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for both work and personal life, including self-care, family, and errands. Using a calendar can help you stay on track.
- Prioritize and organize: Identify what's most important and break large tasks into smaller, manageable segments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Take breaks: Integrate short breaks into your day to rest, stretch, and clear your head.
Build a support system
- Ask for and accept help: Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask family members to help divide caregiving tasks or explore professional care services and community resources.
- Join a support group: Connecting with other carers can provide valuable advice, emotional support, and a sense of community.
- Talk to friends and family: Maintaining relationships with loved ones is a form of self-care and provides a crucial support network.
Take care of yourself
- Prioritize self-care: It is not selfish to focus on your own well-being. Make time for activities that you enjoy and help you recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation.
- Maintain your health: Make time for nutritious meals and exercise, and don't neglect your own health appointments.
- Manage stress: Use stress management techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing to cope with the demands of your role.
