Some of the things you may want to think about may include:
Be prepared for an emergency
It’s hard to prepare for every eventuality, but taking some basic steps can make a big difference in times of crisis or emergency.
If the person you care for uses our services, make sure you have contact details for our staff both in and out of hours. Your team will normally provide you with this. If you’re not sure, ask a member of staff or use our service finder.
All carers should have an emergency plan, both for you and the person you care for. It can help give you peace of mind.
A plan contains information such as contact details, who needs to be contacted in an emergency (such as family or professionals) and details of medication or treatment. Carers UK and the Princess Trust for Carers both have advice on emergency plans.
You don’t have to go it alone
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Caring can sometimes feel like a lonely role, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our staff are here to support carers as well as patients and service users, so don’t ever be worried about asking us questions or raising concerns.
There are lots of organisations, groups and charities who can provide excellent help and support. Check our contacts for carers page for more information.
Get an assessment of you needs
It’s important for you get a carer’s assessment – it’s also your legal right. An assessment looks at what your individual needs are as a carer and helps identify what support would help make caring easier for you. It’s not related to an assessment for financial support. Ask our staff for more information or check our advice page.
Find out about financial support
There are various financial benefits, support and credits available to some carers. Different criteria apply depending on the support you’re applying for. Find out more on our financial advice page.
Think about your health and wellbeing
Sometimes you can be so busy caring for someone else that you may not think about your own health and wellbeing. It’s really important for you to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Time off can also be important.
Get advice on your own wellbeing on the NHSChoices website, Princess RoyalTrust for Carers or Carers UK.
