News and blogs document Living well - Caring for someone
If you regularly assist someone who relies on you, whether this is weekly shopping or providing support for their day-to-day needs, you are an unpaid carer.
You are not alone. In the UK, there are over 5.8 million unpaid carers, providing essential care and support. And in Oxfordshire, more than 52,000 people are providing unpaid care to a family member, friend, or neighbour.
Being an unpaid carer is both rewarding and demanding. However, at times it can also be stressful and you may be unsure where to turn to for support.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help support you in this vital role, including equipment, community activities, respite care and in home care support.
It is also important that you take time to look after yourself while you are caring for someone else. The regular demands of caring can lead to tiredness and poor health.
Make sure you and the person you are caring for are getting the support you need.
Starting to need a little extra support
A persons care needs develop over time and it's natural to need a little extra support. Whether it is adaptions around the home, equipment to make daily tasks easier to care at home. There is a whole range of help and support available to support you and the person you are a care giver to.
Carers Oxfordshire are here to support you
Carers Oxfordshire is a free service dedicated to providing information, advice, and support to unpaid adult carers caring for individuals living in Oxfordshire. Their experienced and knowledgeable team is committed to ensuring that you receive the support you need and that your vital role as a carer’s recognised.
A few of the ways they could help support you are:
- The CarersLine is there for you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm - whether you need advice and support or just want to receive information they’re here to help.
- Carer ID will prove you are registered as an unpaid carer. You can use it to ensure you and the person you care for get the support you are entitled to.
- As a carer, you are entitled to request a carer's assessment. It doesn't matter how much care you provide or if the person you support has a formal diagnosis or not.
- Take time for you, Carers Oxfordshire have a range of offers to give unpaid carers time for themselves. All designed to improve your health and wellbeing, help you to get a break from caring, encourage you to have an active life and help you fulfil your goals around education, training and employment.
Find out more at Carers Oxfordshire and sign up to their Care Matters e-magazine.
Help and support for carers from Age UK
Age UK have emotional and practical help, as well as advice on what financial support is available to you on their help and advice for carers web page.
Live Well Oxfordshire, your online directory
Live Well Oxfordshire is an easy-to-search online directory that brings thousands of services and activities together. It has a wealth of information and advice tailored to the needs of carers. From equipment and care services to help people remain independent at home, to transport services to get out and about as well as new hobbies and activities to explore.
You can also find carers support groups, providing a space to connect with fellow caregivers over a coffee and a friendly chat. Take advantage of respite or short break care options, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved break every now and then.
Use of Live Well Oxfordshire to make sure both you and the person you are caring for get the support you need.
Register as a carer with your GP
By registering as a carer with your GP, it allows them to provide you with the support you need as a carer. The services available may differ from one practice to another. To get a registration form, ask the receptionist or the practice manager.
Carers allowance
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits you will be eligible to receive carers allowance.
Carers credit
Carer’s credit is a National Insurance credit that lets carers build up qualifying years for the basic State Pension and additional State Pension. This means that there will be no gaps in your National Insurance record if you have to take on caring responsibilities.
Are you a young carer?
You are not alone and there is lots of support available for you if you are under the age of 18 and are caring for someone because of an illness or disability.
Looking after someone close to you who needs your support can be difficult. But you don't have to cope alone. Get advice on how to cope and get support from Childline Young Carers.
If you think you might be a young carer, talk to your GP or someone at your school or college like a teacher, student services or your School Health Nurse. They will help you find support and further information.
Our Family Solutions Service provide support children, young people and families.
Other articles that may interest you
- Planning ahead – What to think about when planning for future care needs.
- Paying for social care – How social care is funded, the threshold for financial support and paying for care.
- Housing options – Exploring different housing options so you can make a decision that’s right for you.
- Support to live at home - How to make your home work for you, from daily living aids, mobility aids to assistive technology.
- Assessing care needs - Occupational therapist assessments, drop in clinics and what happens at a care assessment.
- Live Well Oxfordshire - Connecting you to activities and services in the community