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I'm new to caring: what to do first
Caring for someone can start suddenly, or it can build up gradually over time. You may not think of yourself as a carer. You may simply be helping a partner, relative, friend or neighbour because they are ill, disabled, frail, or need more support than before.
If you look after someone who could not manage without your help, you are a carer. This might include practical tasks, emotional support, personal care, medication, appointments, shopping, paperwork, or simply being there.
Caring can feel demanding and difficult, especially if this is new to you. There may be more help available than you realise.
This page explains where to begin, what support may be available, and who you can contact for help.
Are You a Carer?
A carer is someone who gives unpaid support to another person who could not manage without that help. The person you care for might be a partner, parent, child, relative, friend or neighbour.
They may need support because of physical illness, mental ill health, disability, dementia, frailty, addiction, or a life-limiting condition. You do not have to live with the person to be a carer. You may be caring every day, helping from a distance, or sharing care with other people.
Many people do not recognise themselves as carers at first. They may feel they are simply doing what anyone would do for someone they love. But recognising that you are a carer can help you find support, advice and practical help.
What to do First
Start with what feels most urgent. You do not need to sort everything at once.
It can help to think about what the person needs now, what you are already doing, and what feels difficult or unsafe. You may also want to speak to the person you care for about what matters to them, what help they want, and who they are happy for you to speak to.
If you are worried about their health, symptoms, safety, medication or care needs, contact their GP surgery or another professional already involved in their care. They may be able to explain what help is available, make referrals, or advise you on next steps.
Carer's Assessment
A carer's assessment is a conversation with the local council about how caring affects your life and what support may help. It is about your needs as a carer, not only the needs of the person you care for.
The assessment can look at your wellbeing, your ability to continue caring, breaks from caring, practical support, work, study, family life and emergency planning. You do not need to wait until you are at breaking point before asking for one.
A carer's assessment is separate from a care needs assessment for the person you look after. The correct council will usually depend on where the person you care for lives.
Local Support
There are different routes into carer support across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Some services cover the whole area. Others are specific to Leicester City, Leicestershire County or Rutland.
Support may include advice, advocacy, carer support groups, training, help with assessments, benefits guidance, breaks from caring, support for young carers and information about condition-specific services.
Money and Benefits
Caring can affect your income, work and financial security. Some carers may be able to claim Carer's Allowance, depending on their circumstances and the benefits received by the person they care for.
Carer's Credit may help protect your National Insurance record if caring affects your ability to work. You may also need advice about benefits for the person you care for, council support, personal budgets, grants, pensions, travel costs or equipment costs.
Benefits can affect each other, so it is sensible to get advice before applying or changing anything.
Money and Support
Caring can affect your income, work and financial security. Some carers may be able to claim Carer's Allowance, depending on their circumstances and the benefits received by the person they care for.
Carer's Credit may help protect your National Insurance record if caring affects your ability to work. You may also need advice about benefits for the person you care for, council support, personal budgets, grants, pensions, travel costs or equipment costs.
Benefits can affect each other, so it is sensible to get advice before applying or changing anything.
Condition-Specific Support
Some carers need information about a particular illness or condition. This might include dementia, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, cancer, mental health difficulties, frailty, addiction or a life-limiting illness.
Condition-specific organisations can often provide practical guidance, emotional support, helplines, booklets and advice for families and carers. They may also help you understand what changes to expect and what support may be needed over time.
Useful Resources
You may find it helpful to speak to your GP, local carers service, council adult social care team, or another health and care professional if you are not sure where to begin.
Useful sources of information include:
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NHS support and benefits for carers - Information about carer's assessments, support from local councils, respite care and help for young carers.
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Carers UK - Information, advice and support for unpaid carers.
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Carer's Trust - Information and support for unpaid carers, including young carers.
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The Carers Centre Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland -
Local support, information and advocacy for carers. -
Providing Care - A Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland resource for carers, including training and courses.
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Leicester City Council carer support - Support and information for carers in Leicester City.
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Leicestershire County Council looking after someone - Information for carers in Leicestershire.
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Rutland County Council carers - Information for carers in Rutland.
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Carer's Allowance - Eligibility information from GOV.UK.
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Carer's Credit - Information about National Insurance credits for carers.
Important note
Support routes may depend on where the person you care for lives. Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland have different council services, so use the local authority link that applies to the person receiving care.