Caring for someone

This article looks at what might be involved when you have responsibility for caring for someone, and where you might seek advice, help and support.

There are nearly six million carers in the UK, looking after someone with an illness or disability, physical or mental, young, old, friend, relative or neighbour. If you support someone in this way and you are not paid, you are a carer.

Support

GP – ensure your doctor is aware of your caring responsibilities and that this is noted on your medical records. Your GP can give you help and guidance and refer to appropriate help if there is a need for nursing care.

Work – ask your manager or Personnel department if the company has a policy to support carers, e.g. flexible working.

Social Services – Your local authority can complete an assessment for someone who may need care services, to identify what support or additional help is available.

Benefits – Your Social Services Department should be able to assist with this. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for help.

Elder care

Some of the issues that may arise as we become older:

Reduced income, lack of independence, changes in mobility or family situation
Is it possible to stay in your own home?
What help is given towards care needs, special equipment, adaptations, repairs, and security/safety
Entitlement to benefits

Help

Social Services can assess your needs and provide advice and assistance on adaptations that can be made around the home, recommend grants that may be available and contact charitable organisation/benevolent funds for support if a shortfall in funding is identified. Social Services can also help with assistance such as home helps, meals on wheels, day centres, nursing and residential homes.

Benefits advice can be obtained from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). They will complete paperwork if necessary on your behalf, posting it to you for signature. Some of the benefits that you may be eligible for are, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Person independence payment (PIP) Constant attendance allowance (CAA), State Pension. There is a range of benefits for pensioners, including free prescriptions and eye tests. The Citizens Advice Bureau will also be able to advise on claiming benefits.

Childcare

There are many issues to consider, such as the type of care, hours required and cost. The main forms are:

Registered childminders – they have to be registered with OFSTED
Day nurseries, nursery schools & pre-schools – usually for children aged 2 – 5 but some day nurseries may take children as babies
After school clubs
Nannies

Currently the most common form of childcare in the UK is a family member, e.g. a grandparent.

Visit the GOV UK website to find out about childcare in your area.

It may be beneficial for you to visit several providers to see for yourself what is being offered.

The cost will vary depending on the childcare required. Before committing to a carer or changing work arrangements, prepare a budget sheet to see what you can afford. You may even be entitled to claim for financial assistance from the government. If you are not claiming them already, speak to the Inland Revenue Tax Credits Office or your local Department of Work and Pensions for information about eligibility for Working Tax Credit (which has a childcare element), or speak to your local Benefits Agency or Jobcentre Plus.

Employers – ask your personnel department if your employer has a scheme to provide childcare vouchers to employees or if they provide crèche facilities for their employees. You may feel that a change in working patterns would be the way forward. Speak to your employer and find out what options are available.

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