It can be hard to figure out if you’re a carer or simply looking out for someone you love.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
There are about 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK. On top of this, 3 million unpaid carers balance their care responsibilities with their work.
Many carers don’t receive any carer support simply because they’re unaware that they are entitled to it.
Many people are full-time carers and are totally unaware of it.
Read on to discover if you are a carer and are entitled to financial and practical support…
Common Misconceptions about Caring for a Loved One
Incorrect Assumption: "Carers are paid workers"
A carer in this context is someone who is not paid to fulfill their responsibilities, instead they do so out of love or duty.
Incorrect Assumption: "Carers only care for the elderly"
Carers are simply people who care for other people, no matter what their age may be. You can be a carer for anyone, whether they are a friend, child, spouse, or parent.
Incorrect Assumption: "Carers only care for people with physical disabilities"
Many carers care for people who have physical disabilities. However, carers can care for people who struggle with their mental health, learning difficulties, or cognitive impairments
Incorrect Assumption: "Carers have to live with the people they care for"
Carers do not always live with the people they care for. Many carers travel to their loved ones’ homes or care remotely.
"What is a Carer?"
Under the Government Care Act, a carer is ‘someone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend, in their day-to-day life’.
Therefore, a carer can be any age and can care for anyone.
"What do Carers do?"
- Helping someone get dressed, washed, or go to the toilet.
- Helping someone get about safely, whether that be at home or outside.
- Taking someone to their appointments and ensuring they have their medication (and making sure they take it correctly).
- Ensuring someone is eating well and staying healthy.
- Providing consistent emotional support and company.
There is no minimum amount of time per week that you must dedicate to these tasks.
Simply put, if caring for another person is a significant part of your life it is likely that you are a carer.
It can be difficult to shoulder this much responsibility, but you don’t have to do this alone.
"I think I am a Carer- what now?"
As a carer, you have several options available to you. In fact, a few include:
- You could contact your local council for a formal carer's assessment. This will tell you what benefits you are entitled to, as well as places that you can go for support.
- Another idea could be to join a helpful forum such Carers UK or contact a carer support group on Facebook, in order to speak to like-minded individuals and receive support.
- You could take a look at our free guidance on all areas of care, from finances to mental health. Any answers you cannot find just email our team via contact@bridgit.care and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
- Likewise, we also have a service where you can chat personally with one of our trained Bridgit Care Coaches about whatever is troubling you. Through our YourTime service, you can access personalized guidance, excellent resources, and emotional support.
- As well as this, you could also take look at some of our blogs about what support you're entitled to. A good place to start would be to see if you're entitled to the Carer's Allowance for some additional financial support. Read our blog post with all the information you need to know about the Carer's Allowance here.
