Important information about swine flu

Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself, your family and others.

Last updated 9:16 AM Friday 20 November 2009

You are here:

Carers' lives


Real stories: Maureen

It's not always obvious how you can look after someone who is mentally ill. Read one carer's experience of caring for two sons with schizophrenia.

How Maureen found training to help herself and her family

What is a carer?

Who are carers and where do they live? The answer is that they could be anyone, they live everywhere, and all of us could become a carer at some time in our lives.

What is a carer?

Take a break from caring

It's vital to some time off from caring, even if it's just a few hours a week, to ensure you keep yourself in good health.

How to get time off

Don't let caring make you ill

People providing high levels of care double their risk of becoming ill as a result of their responsibilities.

How to prevent illness

Help from your GP

Your GP is a vital help for any carer. They will look after your health and put you in touch with local services.

What your GP can do for you

Myths about carers

Carers cost the country a fortune, right? Wrong! That's just one of many misconceptions carers face.

The truth about caring

Real stories: Erika

Around half Britain's carers combine caring and working. Read one carer's story of working in a school.

How Erika balances work with caring

Money matters

The benefits system provides vital support for millions of carers who are unable to work or study full-time.

How carers can make their money go further

Real stories: Doris

Read how one carer's role has been made simpler with a little help from some hi-tech equipment.

How gadgets gave Doris peace of mind

Technology for carers

There is a wide range of gadgets that can be installed in your home to make the job of caring easier.

How technology can help you care

Who's who in a carer's life?

In your caring role you may have to rely on many different people. Find out who to turn to for your different needs.

Who can help

Caring for carers

Feeling isolated and in need of support? There are a number of organisations that can help you when you need it.

Social services and carers' charities

You're not alone

If you look after someone you are not alone. Millions of people in Britain are caring, and there are many sources of support.

Avoid being isolated

Last reviewed: 26/01/2009

Next review due: 25/01/2011

Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202

Or email CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk

Free, confidential information and advice to help you as a carer

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines

More about the Carers Direct helpline service

Services near you

Find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services for carers near you.

Also in Carers Direct

Carers blog

The carers blog is written by carers or those working to support carers of adults and children with long-term conditions such as dementia, stroke, mental illness and physical disabilities. To join the bloggers, email talk@nhschoices.nhs.uk.

Most recent post

Deborah Packenham

Carers community

Most recent post

forum comment

  • Re: Bedroom Smells!
    [quote user="billiejeanking"] Hello! I think I read last week that a pot of bicarbonate of soda ...

Got a story about caring for someone?

NHS Choices

The NHS

Languages

Link to Directgov – public services all in one place