Caring in Leicester and Leicestershire
Caring for someone can be demanding and difficult, but there is more help available than you realise. If you look after a partner, relative or friend who is disabled or ill due to physical or mental ill health, you are a carer.
Young Carers
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. See available resources below.
Some questions and answers...
I am caring for someone. What support and help is there for me?
Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland
Offering support through a free advice line
0800 678 1602
Carers UK
Making life better for carers. Useful information and fact sheet for carers
Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX
T. 020 7378 4999 Email. info@carersuk.org
Leicester City Council carer's assessment
If you are over 18 and look after someone, you now have a right to have a carer's assessment if you appear to need support.
Leicester City Council carers information
Support for carers resident in Leicester city
Leicestershire Council carer's assessment
If you are over 18 and look after someone, you now have a right to have a carer's assessment if you appear to need support.
Leicestershire County Council carers information
We’ll explain why you’re not eligible for a carer's personal budget at this time. However, we’ll still provide you with information and advice to support you in your caring role.
Providing Care
A Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland resource for carers, including information about available courses and training.
The Carers Centre
Offers a range of free services including advocacy, information and support for carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
0116 251 0999 or email enquiries@thecarerscentre.org.uk
Unit 19, 4th Floor Matrix House, Constitution Hill, Leicester LE1 1PL
VASL support for carers
01858 468 543 or email maureen@supportforcarers.org
Is there any funding available for me as a carer?
Carer's Allowance
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.
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.
NHS support and benefits for carers
Support and benefits for carers. Includes carer's assessments, support from local councils, respite care and help for young carers.
Is any help available when caring for someone with a specific condition?
Caring for someone with Dementia
When someone close to you is diagnosed with dementia, it can be difficult to know which way to turn. Our comprehensive guide – Caring for a person with dementia – can be your go-to companion.
It’s packed with information and advice. We have consulted with many carers, who have told us about the reality of supporting someone with dementia. Their experiences and insight have shaped this guide.
Caring for someone with a Heart condition
Living with a heart condition can be emotionally challenging. BHF supporters often tell us they sometimes feel anxious, low and isolated. These complex feelings are normal but we have some support available if you need it.
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?
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.
Carers UK
A young carer is someone aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers.
Children's Society
Are you a young person looking for advice, or want to connect with other young carers? You've come to the right place.
Young Minds
As a young carer you can find helping someone very rewarding, but you also have the right to be looked after. Find out what young carers do, how to spot if it’s getting too much and what to do about it.
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.
Acorn Day Centre (Age UK)
Offering companionship and support for independent living, Tuesdays 10.00am - 3.00pm
The Lodge, Stamford Road, Oakham Rutland LE15 6JX
Contact Samantha Carnall on 0116 299 2269 or email.careservices@ageukleics.org.uk
Arts 4 Dementia
A national organisation providing arts programmes that empower and inspire people with early stage dementia and their carers, through artistic stimulation.
Dementia Support Service
A peer support, activity and social group for people with dementia and their carers. Come along and have a drink and a chat, share your skills and experience and meet with people in a similar situation to your own in a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Meeting fourth Wednesday of each month, 10.30am – 12.00noon
Rutland Hub, Lands’ End Way, Oakham LE15 6RB
Contact Sarah Ball on 01572 824048 or 07739 630661
Men in Sheds Age UK
Men are welcome to share tools and skills and work on projects they choose. Twice weekly (Wednesday 11.00am – 4pm, Friday 10am – 12noon)
Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW
07540 413 805 or email brian.lee@ageukleics.org.uk
Men in Sheds Age UK Copy
Men are welcome to share tools and skills and work on projects they choose. Twice weekly (Wednesday 11.00am – 4pm, Friday 10am – 12noon)
Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW
07540 413 805 or email brian.lee@ageukleics.org.uk
Oakham Catmose Sports Centre
Whether it's a show, workout, round of golf, outdoor activity or family swimming, we are here for everyone.
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.
Always Take Care
*Private agency that may offer respite care*
24 hour live-in care
Bluebird Care Agency
*Private agency that may offer respite care*
Home support & 24 hour live-in care
Carers Sitters Service
Covering Stamford, Bourne, Deepings and the PE9 villages of Rutland and East Northamptonshire, this free service offers carers a break from caring by providing trained sitters.
41 North Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10 9AE
01778 420 257 or email carersitterservice@gmail.com
Chater Lodge, Ketton
*Private residential care homes that may offer respite care*
Barchester
Goldfinch Care Agency
*Private agency that may offer respite care*
Home support & 24 hour live-in care
Home Straight
*Private agency that may offer respite care*
Looks after your loved one when you need a break.
Respite care is designed to support the carer by giving them a chance to have a break, or providing sickness or emergency cover.
Oak House Residential Home Ltd, Greetham
*Private residential care homes that may offer respite care*
Oak House Residential Home Ltd, Greetham
Private agencies that may offer respite care
There are a wide range of private agencies throughout Leicester and Leicestershire for further information:
Leicestershire County Council - www.leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/supported-accommodation-and-care-homes/care-quality-commission-cqc-registered-services
Leicester City Council - www.mychoice.leicester.gov.uk/Search?CategoryId=98&SM=ServiceSearch&UDG=True&SME=True
What other sources of support are available for carers in Leicester and Leicestershire?
Care Choices
Provides a good overview of care homes and will help you identify a care home that suits your criteria.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC regulates, inspects and rates all social services and health care provision which include care homes.
Diana Children's Community Nursing Service
Nursing care at home to children aged 0-18 years across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through a seven-day service.
0116 295 5080
Leicester City Council
Residential and nursing care for adults. Information for organisations who are providing, or are planning to provide residential and/or nursing care services for adults in Leicester.
Leicestershire County Council
Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered services
Macmillan
Nursing care at home for a terminal illness, as well as emotional advice and symptom management.
0808 8080000
NHS find a care home
Find Care home with nursing services