This section contains information for carers who are looking after a family member, partner or friend. Caring for someone at home can be rewarding, but it can also be frustrating, isolating and exhausting. However, there is help available. This section looks at how to get help from social work, benefits you may be able to claim and other organisations that can offer you help and support. It also has advice for young carers and the parents of disabled children.
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England
This content applies to Scotland only
Get advice if you're in England
This page looks at what it means to be a carer, and explains where you can get help and support: from social work, from your GP's surgery or from carers' centres and other voluntary organisations.
What you should consider if you're moving in with the person you care for or if they move in with you. Plus what you can do if neither of your homes is suitable for you
It may be hard to find time for yourself especially if the person you care for needs you constantly. It's important for your health and well-being to spend time away from the person you care
If you care for a partner, friend or relative, you can get a carer's assessment from the social work department to see if anything would make your caring role easier.
Many young people who are still at school or college also look after someone at home. This could be a parent or another relative who is ill or disabled. Check what help and support is
Find out about issues affecting people who care for children with disabilities, including help from social work and other sources, contacting other parents, and getting financial support.
Covers financial issues that affect carers and the support available, including carer's allowance and other benefits, council tax reductions, and ways to combine your work and caring responsibilities.
The person you look after may ask you or someone else they trust to look after their legal financial and welfare rights when become too ill to do so. They need to see a solicitor
This page has advice on how to cope if the person you care for dies. It includes information on coping with grief and dealing with practical issues that may arise. It also looks at your
This page lists useful websites that provide further information, advice and support to carers.
