New to caring

You may be taking on a caring role for the first time and you don’t know what to expect.  You may be unsure whether you can provide all the help the person may need.  If the person is in hospital, you may  be anxious to get the patient home as soon as possible.  You may feel pressure from friends, family or the person him/herself.

Whatever the pressures, it is important for you to consider how your new caring situation is likely to affect your life.  Is it likely to affect your job?  Will it affect your relationships with your partner, children or other family members?  Will your own health be put at risk by taking on caring responsibilities eg stress levels or from tasks such as lifting the patient?

It is your choice whether or not to look after an adult. Just because you are unable to care for someone does not mean that you do not care about them. 

You will need to think about how much care you are able to provide and what help you might need. You have a legal right to have your needs addressed and this is achieved by having a carer’s assessment. You and the person you care for may be entitled to benefits.

New to Caring? booklet

New December 2007 : An essential new booklet to help those who have recently become a carer. New to caring contains advice from experienced carers and covers all the basics that one needs to know about the financial, practical and emotional aspects of caring – and the range of help available.  Download your copy below.