Caring in Leicester and Leicestershire

This is the main state benefit for carers. You don’t have to be related to or live with the person you care for to be eligible if the person you care for has certain benefits.

www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

Carer’s Credit

Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. Your State Pension is based on your National Insurance record.

www.gov.uk/carers-credit

NHS support and benefits for carers

www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/

Is any help available when caring for someone with a specific condition?

Caring for someone with dementia

www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/caring-person-dementia-practical-guide

Dementia Support Service

0116 231 1111 or call the National Dementia Helpline on 0845 3000 336

Caring for someone with a heart condition

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/emotional-support-and-wellbeing

Caring for someone with Parkinson's Disease

www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/caring-someone-parkinsons

I'm under 18 and I help my Dad every day to wash, dress and feed himself. Is there anyone else like me? Are there any organisations that will support me?

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after a family member such as a parent, brother, sister or other relative or they might care for a family friend who is disabled, has a mental health condition or misuses alcohol or drugs. The person may live in the same house as the young carer or somewhere else.

It is can be very helpful to talk about your caring responsibilities with an adult and/or friend who you trust. Talking about the challenges you face can give you encouragement and may help you make good decisions. If you're at school or college, it is important that a teacher you trust knows too. They can help you plan your school and home work.

Further information and support is available at:

I am caring for a loved one. Are there any small groups we can attend together?

Continuing wellbeing mentally, spiritually, physically and socially is important. Caring for someone can be comforting and rewarding for both parties, but sometimes it can be isolating, frustrating and tiring too. It is important that you have opportunities to go out, to take part in something you enjoy and to meet others for conversations and activities. There are lots of groups across Leicestershire. Find out more on the Support for Carers website.

Can Respite Care Provision give me a break from caring?

Respite care is the term used for different services designed to give you a break from caring. It could be someone coming to your home to look after the person you care for on a regular basis while you go to an activity, shop or visit a friend, or someone to take them out to an activity group or day centre. Or you may need an opportunity to go on holiday, with or without the person you care for. If you're going away without the person you care for, they may have a temporary stay in a residential care.

Support at home