Use this guide if you regularly look after a partner, relative or friend who is ill, disabled, older or has a mental health condition or addiction, without being paid as a care worker. Have a note of what you do each week and the name of the council where the person you care for lives.
Step by step
Recognise your caring role
Many people do not think of themselves as carers because they are just helping family. Write down everything you do in a typical week, such as shopping, medicines, personal care, appointments and emotional support. This list will help in every conversation that follows.
Ask for a carer's assessment
Contact the adult social care team at the local council where the person you care for lives and ask for a carer's assessment. It is free and looks at your own needs, not just theirs. It can lead to support such as breaks, equipment or help at home.
Tell your GP
Ask your GP surgery to record that you are a carer. This can help with flexible appointments, health checks and an annual flu vaccine offer where eligible. Look after your own health too, not only the person you care for.
Talk to your employer
Most employees have a legal right to take unpaid carer's leave for a dependant with a long-term care need, available from their first day in the job. Check the current rules on GOV.UK and your workplace policy. You can also make a flexible working request if you need a longer-term change.
Check financial help
There may be benefits for you and for the person you care for, such as Carer's Allowance. Use a benefits calculator or get free advice from Citizens Advice or a local carers' centre, as eligibility rules change. Do not rely on old figures you have heard.
Plan breaks and an emergency backup
Arrange regular time off, even a few hours a week, with help from family, friends or respite services. Write an emergency plan saying who would step in if you were suddenly ill. Share it with the people named and keep a copy with your phone.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Weekly caring tasks written down
- Carer's assessment requested
- GP told you are a carer
- Employer told and leave rights checked
- Benefits check completed
- Local carers' centre contacted
- Regular break arranged
- Emergency backup plan written
Practical tips
- Carers UK and local carers' centres offer free information and peer support.
- Keep a folder of the cared-for person's medicines, appointments and key contacts.
- If you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
Common problems
The council has not replied to my request for an assessment.
Follow up in writing, keep a record of dates and ask when it will happen. If delays continue, use the council's complaints procedure and then the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
The person I care for refuses outside help.
You can still have your own carer's assessment. Talk to them about trying a small amount of help first, and ask their GP or social worker for ideas.
Caring is affecting my job.
Speak to your manager or HR about carer's leave and flexible working. ACAS gives free, impartial advice on your rights at work.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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