If you are a carer for an elderly or disabled family member, you may be well aware of the toll it can take on your personal life. Feelings of isolation are common, as is the experience of being overwhelmed. Add to this the fact that caring takes up a large percentage of personal time in a world where it is already a precious commodity, and caring can sometimes seem like a thankless task.
However, there are organisations in the UK that appreciate the love and sacrifice it takes to be a carer, and they can offer help and support to those that need it. That’s good news, given that 3 in 5 of us will be carers at some point in our lives. If you’re in that position now, here are some people you may want to talk to:
Carers Trust
The largest charity supporting unpaid carers, Carers Trust provides unique online services through independent partners, and grants to assist with the cost of caring. They can help with replacement care, information, advice, emotional support, hands on practical help, and access to welcome breaks from your duties. You can reach them on the email address info@carers.org.
Carers UK
Carers UK provides information, advice, or just a sympathetic ear to carers who are struggling to look after a disabled family member. Their free Adviceline service is available five days a week on 0808 808 7777, and their website and forums are a 24/7 solution for people that need help and support.
Scope
While many of us will care for an elderly relative at some point in our lives, some of us will also need to care for our disabled children. This can be a daunting prospect, as there is precious little training and information available to make sure we do the best job we can for those that need us the most. Scope aims to change that. Scope can be reached on 0808 800 3333 or helpline@scope.org.uk, and is a lifesaver for parents of disabled children who need help understanding their needs.
