You are an adult carer if you are over the age of 18 and care for someone over the age of 18.
The person you care for needs help because they have a disability, are ill or are frail due to old age. This can be a member of your family, a partner or a friend. You duties may include:
- helping them with washing, dressing or dealing with incontinence
- feeding and giving them medication
- keeping them active indoors or outdoors
- providing emotional support and company
Being a carer can be demanding but there are important steps you can take to ensure you get help:
- recognise yourself as a carer - this is the first step towards support
- include your friends and family - make sure they know the extent of your role; it is important that you don’t try to cope alone
- tell your GP and ask for it to be recorded in your notes that you are a carer - this can help the GP offer you convenient appointment times
- tell us at Essex County Council, we will be able to offer advice and information
- let your employer know about your caring responsibilities
- look after yourself - caring without a break or proper sleep is extremely stressful, so try to find time to relax
Help for carers
A carer's assessment is a simple process that considers your health and wellbeing, You may also receive advice and information specifically for you, and possibly a direct service.
The Carers Emergency Planning Service is designed to give peace of mind to carers who worry about what would happen to the person they look after if they were suddenly unable to continue their caring role.
Connecting Carers is a newsletter written specifically for Essex carers.
If you juggle care with work, you may find the information on our Working Carers page useful.
There are also local support organisations available in Essex.
The Carer's Discount Card gives unpaid carers discounts and special offers on a range of goods and services.