Support for adult carers

Caring can make great demands on your time, your health and your emotions and can be very exhausting.  

Common carer problems

Sometimes, because carers are so busy caring for someone else, they don't always notice that their own health is getting worse. Some common problems are:  

• back strain, if the carer is moving and transferring someone 
• emotional stress and anxiety  
• sleep problems  
• existing conditions, such as high blood pressure could be made worse  

How to look after your own health

You can do several things to look after your own health, including:   

• making sure your GP knows you are a carer and that this is recorded on your patient record  
• trying to make time for yourself to exercise regularly
• trying not to skip meals and eating a balanced diet  
• getting in touch with your local carers' centre or carers' resource, who often provide relaxation or pampering sessions  

If you ever feel under extreme pressure please contact your GP, our customer services centre or your local carers' centre and let them know you need help straight away.  

You may also find the information on our mental health pages useful if you are having difficulties dealing with the emotional side of caring.  

As a carer you have rights under The Care Act 2014 which:   

1. Give you formal recognition in the needs assessment of the person you care for.  
2. Require us to give you information and advice about your rights as a carer.  
3. Require us to carry out a separate assessment of your needs – this is called a carers’ assessment. 
4. Require us to consider your assessment when deciding what services the person you care for needs. For example, if you are in poor health or are having difficulties caring for someone, we must take this into account. We must also take account of your wish to remain or gain access to employment and training; emotional support required; carers' registers and health checks by your GP; and increased choice and control.