If you help look after a family member, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without your support, there’s a good chance you’re a carer — even if you’ve never thought of yourself that way. Lots of people are surprised to realise they are carers. Our “Am I a carer?” page talks this through in more detail and can help you figure it out. And if you’re still unsure, you’re always welcome to get in touch for a chat.
This can be different for every carer, depending on your situation and the person you care for, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Our Grants and Financial Support page explains the types of help that may be available and what to consider. If you’d like to talk things through, you can get one-to-one support with one of our experienced Carer Support Team workers at our Carers Hub in the Bradbury Centre, Leicester city centre.
You can also contact us by email or phone or fill out our form on our Contact Us page to find the best way to get in touch.
If you’re a carer, you’re entitled to a free carer’s assessment from your local council. It’s simply a chance to talk about how caring fits into your life and how it affects your health, wellbeing, work, finances and the things that matter to you. The aim is to understand what support could help you now and in the future. Even if you feel like you’re managing, many carers find an assessment really helpful.
We can support you to prepare and feel more confident beforehand. Our Statutory Carer’s Assessment page explains what to expect and how we can help you through the process.
No, you don’t have to live with the person you care for to be an unpaid carer. Many carers support someone who lives elsewhere, whether that’s a partner, family member or friend. If you regularly help someone who couldn’t manage without your support, you may still be a carer and entitled to support.
If the person you care for is disabled, you may be able to apply for the disable facilities grant through your local council to help pay for equipment or changes to the home that make day to day life safer and easier for them and for you as their carer.
Grants are usually available where the person you care for has a physical disability, learning disability, autism, age related needs, a cognitive condition such as dementia, a progressive condition like motor neurone disease, a terminal illness or a mental health condition.
Support can include things like widening doorways, installing ramps or grab rails, improving access to rooms with stairlifts or level access showers, adapting heating or lighting controls, improving access to the garden or in some cases building an extension such as a downstairs bedroom.
How much support is available depends on factors like household income and savings over £6,000. In some cases, disabled children under 18 can receive a grant without their parents’ income being considered.
To apply, the disabled person must intend to remain in the property during the grant period, and the application usually needs to be made by the homeowner, tenant or landlord. The council also needs to agree that the work is necessary, appropriate and reasonable for the property.
For more information and help understanding what might be possible in your situation, speak to one of our Carer Support Team. You can contact us via our phone, email or visit our Carers Hub at the Bradbury Centre in Leicester city centre for a friendly one to one drop in.
If you decide to leave work or reduce your hours, you may become eligible for Carer’s Allowance or other benefits or tax credits, depending on your circumstances.