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Caring for someone at home

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

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.

Being a carer

This introductory 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. Read more

Living arrangements

This page looks at things you should consider if you're moving in with the person you care for on a temporary or permanent basis, or if they move in with you. It also looks at what you can do if neither of your homes is suitable for you both to live in, and you need to find somewhere else. Read more

Getting a break

It may be hard for you to find time for yourself, especially if the person you care for needs you to be with them constantly. However, it's important for your health and well-being to spend time away from the person you care for. This may be a couple of hours a week to meet friends or spend time with your family, or it may be a longer break. Read more

Carer's assessments

If you look after a partner, friend or relative who can't manage without your help, you are entitled to a carer's assessment from the social work department. This will look at your needs and see if anything can be done to make life easier for you in your caring role. Read more

Young carers

Many young people who are still at school or college also look after someone at home. This could be a parent, a grandparent, a brother or sister, or another family member who is ill or disabled. This page looks at issues that affect young carers specifically and the help and support that's available. Read more

Caring for a disabled child

This page looks at issues affecting people who care for children with disabilities, including getting help from social work and other sources, contacting other parents with disabled children, and getting financial support. Read more

Financial issues for carers

This page looks at the financial issues that affect carers and the support available, including carer's allowance and other benefits, council tax reductions, and how best to combine your work and caring responsibilities. Read more

Power of attorney

The person you look after may ask you or someone else they trust to look after their legal, financial and welfare rights once they become too ill to do so. To do this, they will need to see a solicitor and sign a power of attorney. If the person can't sign a power or attorney, you may be able to apply for a guardianship or intervention order. Read more

If the person you look after dies

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 housing rights. Read more