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Support and advice

Two women, one has her arms around the other offering support

Carers are people who provide unpaid practical or emotional support to a family member, a friend or another person who needs help or support to manage daily activities. A lot of people don’t see themselves as a carer, but as a husband, wife, parent, relative, friend or neighbour. Caring for someone else can be stressful, and it’s very important to take the time to look after yourself as well. Read more about the information and support that is available to you.

Carers are people who provide unpaid practical or emotional support to a family member, a friend or another person who needs help or support to manage daily activities.

A carer may be looking after

  • an older person
  • someone who has a mental health condition
  • someone living with a disability
  • someone with a long-term medical condition
  • someone with a terminal illness.

Carers may be adults caring for other adults. They may be parents looking after children who have a medical condition or disability. There are also young carers (under 18) caring for, or involved in the care of, relatives or friends. Many people juggle their caring responsibilities of looking after an adult as well as looking after children, and working. This can leave them feeling exhausted and overstretched. 

The closeness of the relationship means that care can include emotional support for the person they support. Some carers do not call themselves carers. They just see themselves as a husband, wife, parent, relative, friend or neighbour. Sometimes there can be more than one carer supporting someone as part of a family or community network. At times, the carer may not be recognised as a carer by the person they are caring for.

Caring for someone can be tiring and stressful. Carers can focus so much on the needs of the person they are caring for that they neglect their own health and wellbeing. If you are a carer, it is very important that you also look after yourself.

This page gives you information about the support that is available to you.

Carers are people who provide unpaid practical or emotional support to a family member, a friend or another person who needs help or support to manage daily activities.

A carer may be looking after

  • an older person
  • someone who has a mental health condition
  • someone living with a disability
  • someone with a long-term medical condition
  • someone with a terminal illness.

Carers may be adults caring for other adults. They may be parents looking after children who have a medical condition or disability. There are also young carers (under 18) caring for, or involved in the care of, relatives or friends. Many people juggle their caring responsibilities of looking after an adult as well as looking after children, and working. This can leave them feeling exhausted and overstretched. 

The closeness of the relationship means that care can include emotional support for the person they support. Some carers do not call themselves carers. They just see themselves as a husband, wife, parent, relative, friend or neighbour. Sometimes there can be more than one carer supporting someone as part of a family or community network. At times, the carer may not be recognised as a carer by the person they are caring for.

Caring for someone can be tiring and stressful. Carers can focus so much on the needs of the person they are caring for that they neglect their own health and wellbeing. If you are a carer, it is very important that you also look after yourself.

This page gives you information about the support that is available to you.

Our Community directory contains details for many local and national organisations providing support to carers. These include general carers organisations and those related to specific conditions or disabilities.

Emergency help and carers' breaks

See our information page on Breaks and emergency help.

Our Community directory contains details for many local and national organisations providing support to carers. These include general carers organisations and those related to specific conditions or disabilities.

Emergency help and carers' breaks

See our information page on Breaks and emergency help.

Carers UK provides a wealth of information and support including:

National Careline – Phone 0800 0699 784 - for older people and their relatives who need advice.

Carers Trust is a national organisation of carers' support services with a network of independently managed centres across the UK. The centres provide a range of services, including information and advice on benefits, care and access to services, advocacy, support and practical help for carers.

Mobilise is an online community of unpaid carers offering support, advice and 'virtual cuppas'.

Carers UK provides a wealth of information and support including:

National Careline – Phone 0800 0699 784 - for older people and their relatives who need advice.

Carers Trust is a national organisation of carers' support services with a network of independently managed centres across the UK. The centres provide a range of services, including information and advice on benefits, care and access to services, advocacy, support and practical help for carers.

Mobilise is an online community of unpaid carers offering support, advice and 'virtual cuppas'.

The local authority can carry out a carer's assessment. These are usually carried out by the Adult Social Care department or sometimes by an organisation on their behalf. Some offer the choice of an initial online self-assessment.

Regardless of where you live as a carer, the responsibility for carrying out a carer's assessment is with the local authority where the person who you are caring for lives.  If there is more than one local authority involved, they will consider how best to work together and help you to access the necessary information and support.  

To assess if you are eligible for support, the local authority will need to consider three questions:

  • Are you providing necessary care to an adult?

    ‘Necessary care’ means activities that the individual requiring support should be able to carry out as part of normal daily life but is unable to do so.

  • Does your caring role have an effect on you?

    The effect on you must be either:
    - your physical or mental health is at risk of getting worse, or 
    - you are unable to achieve at least one of the following outcomes:
    • look after any children you have responsibilities for
    • provide care to any other person
    • maintain your home in a fit and proper state
    • eat properly and maintain proper nutrition
    • maintain and develop your relationships with family and friends
    • take part in any education, training, work or volunteering you may wish to
    • time for social activities, hobbies etc. 

      In considering whether or not you can achieve the above outcomes, the local council must take into account any difficulties you have.
  • As a result of the above, is there, or is there likely to be, a significant impact on your well-being?

    The definition of ‘well-being’ is very broad and includes things like personal dignity, control over your day to day life, participation in education, work or social activities, relationships with other people, having suitable accommodation, and protection from abuse and neglect.

If you are eligible for support, the local authority will look not only at the support available from your council (such as, for example, respite services for the person you care for to give you a break) but will also look at the support options you are able to access from your community.

For more information and to request an assessment:

The local authority can carry out a carer's assessment. These are usually carried out by the Adult Social Care department or sometimes by an organisation on their behalf. Some offer the choice of an initial online self-assessment.

Regardless of where you live as a carer, the responsibility for carrying out a carer's assessment is with the local authority where the person who you are caring for lives.  If there is more than one local authority involved, they will consider how best to work together and help you to access the necessary information and support.  

To assess if you are eligible for support, the local authority will need to consider three questions:

  • Are you providing necessary care to an adult?

    ‘Necessary care’ means activities that the individual requiring support should be able to carry out as part of normal daily life but is unable to do so.

  • Does your caring role have an effect on you?

    The effect on you must be either:
    - your physical or mental health is at risk of getting worse, or 
    - you are unable to achieve at least one of the following outcomes:
    • look after any children you have responsibilities for
    • provide care to any other person
    • maintain your home in a fit and proper state
    • eat properly and maintain proper nutrition
    • maintain and develop your relationships with family and friends
    • take part in any education, training, work or volunteering you may wish to
    • time for social activities, hobbies etc. 

      In considering whether or not you can achieve the above outcomes, the local council must take into account any difficulties you have.
  • As a result of the above, is there, or is there likely to be, a significant impact on your well-being?

    The definition of ‘well-being’ is very broad and includes things like personal dignity, control over your day to day life, participation in education, work or social activities, relationships with other people, having suitable accommodation, and protection from abuse and neglect.

If you are eligible for support, the local authority will look not only at the support available from your council (such as, for example, respite services for the person you care for to give you a break) but will also look at the support options you are able to access from your community.

For more information and to request an assessment:

Registering as a carer with your GP

You can register your details with your doctor’s practice so that your notes are tagged to indicate that you are a carer or that the patient is a cared-for person. It will help your GP if they are aware of your caring responsibilities and the potential impact of your caring responsibilities on your own health. The doctor’s receptionist can then also take account of your needs as a carer when trying to arrange appointment times that fit in with your caring responsibilities.

Hampshire Carers Partnership Board have produced the following documents:

If you care for your children and look after an adult who needs extra support, then you are probably a sandwich carer. Having dual caring responsibilities can feel overwhelming to juggle alongside all of life’s demands. So, we’ve listed the support you might be able to access to give you a bit of time back to enjoy with loved ones, or simply to have a moment for yourself.

Explore the Family Information and Services Hub for services to support you and your child or younger person. It lists information on respite and support for SEND children and their family, equipment and therapies for SEND children and young people, or general family support available to anyone.

For information on what support is available for you if you’re caring for an adult – be that a parent, partner, friend, sibling or neighbour – explore the other boxes on this webpage.

Remember, you’re not alone – there were an estimated 1.4 million sandwich carers aged 16 to 64 years in the UK between 2021 and 2023 – so use online carer forums to find people sharing similar experiences.

If you care for your children and look after an adult who needs extra support, then you are probably a sandwich carer. Having dual caring responsibilities can feel overwhelming to juggle alongside all of life’s demands. So, we’ve listed the support you might be able to access to give you a bit of time back to enjoy with loved ones, or simply to have a moment for yourself.

Explore the Family Information and Services Hub for services to support you and your child or younger person. It lists information on respite and support for SEND children and their family, equipment and therapies for SEND children and young people, or general family support available to anyone.

For information on what support is available for you if you’re caring for an adult – be that a parent, partner, friend, sibling or neighbour – explore the other boxes on this webpage.

Remember, you’re not alone – there were an estimated 1.4 million sandwich carers aged 16 to 64 years in the UK between 2021 and 2023 – so use online carer forums to find people sharing similar experiences.

Planning for the future

If you are no longer able to care

It is natural to worry about what will happen to the person you care for if or when you are no longer able to care for them. No one likes to think about a time when they may no longer be able to carry out a caring role. But planning how the person you support should be cared for in the future can give you, and them, peace of mind so do not be afraid to start a conversation.

If the person you care for is not currently receiving any paid-for care services, but might do in the future, you should also read our Paying for care information.

More information about different care options is available. 

Advanced care plans can be completed with the person you are caring for so they can express their wishes for the future. Advanced care plans are voluntary and are not legally binding but can be a helpful tool to help consider the future. 

Useful links:

  • The Future Planning: My Wishes template from Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust can ensure that the things that matter to your loved one, their preferences and wishes relating to their medical care are recorded so that, if they are taken ill, health professionals can make better, more informed decisions about how to support them.
  • NHS – Planning ahead for end of life

Advanced care plans can be completed with the person you are caring for so they can express their wishes for the future. Advanced care plans are voluntary and are not legally binding but can be a helpful tool to help consider the future. 

Useful links:

  • The Future Planning: My Wishes template from Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust can ensure that the things that matter to your loved one, their preferences and wishes relating to their medical care are recorded so that, if they are taken ill, health professionals can make better, more informed decisions about how to support them.
  • NHS – Planning ahead for end of life

The person you care for may consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which gives another person legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

A property and financial affairs LPA can either take effect immediately or when a person loses mental capacity to make decisions about their property and finance and this can be specified. The health and welfare LPA can only be used when they lose mental capacity to make those decisions.

The person you care for may consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which gives another person legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

A property and financial affairs LPA can either take effect immediately or when a person loses mental capacity to make decisions about their property and finance and this can be specified. The health and welfare LPA can only be used when they lose mental capacity to make those decisions.

If you don't have a will, your money, belongings and property will be split up under the Rules of Intestacy.

Writing a will is the only way to say who benefits after your death. A will can also help you make provision for a dependant who is unable to care for themselves.

You can find out how to make a will on the Citizens Advice website.

If you don't have a will, your money, belongings and property will be split up under the Rules of Intestacy.

Writing a will is the only way to say who benefits after your death. A will can also help you make provision for a dependant who is unable to care for themselves.

You can find out how to make a will on the Citizens Advice website.

Caring from a distance

Long-distance caregiving may not always be easy but there are ways to make it work. Here are some suggestions which may help.

A good way to start is to learn about their situation, the potential difficulties they face and the level of help they need. Make notes about your loved one's medical condition and any legal or financial issues. Consider whether a Lasting Power of Attorney would be appropriate. 

Keep a list of contact numbers: GP, insurance information, account numbers and other important details. 

If you are able to share caregiving with a sibling or other relatives, it may help to discuss how this will work best for you all. Will you take turns doing certain things for your relative? Will you take on different responsibilities? Who will step in if you are away?

A good way to start is to learn about their situation, the potential difficulties they face and the level of help they need. Make notes about your loved one's medical condition and any legal or financial issues. Consider whether a Lasting Power of Attorney would be appropriate. 

Keep a list of contact numbers: GP, insurance information, account numbers and other important details. 

If you are able to share caregiving with a sibling or other relatives, it may help to discuss how this will work best for you all. Will you take turns doing certain things for your relative? Will you take on different responsibilities? Who will step in if you are away?

Use technology such as Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp to keep in touch with your loved one or to make their home easier for them to manage. If they are able to use a device, help them to get online so that they can do their shopping, banking and other tasks from home if they are unable to get out. See the relevant sections on our Staying Independent page. 

There may be equipment and adaptations which would help them to stay independent. Care technology, such as pendant alarms and falls sensors, can also help keep them safe and give you peace of mind. 

Use technology such as Skype, Zoom or WhatsApp to keep in touch with your loved one or to make their home easier for them to manage. If they are able to use a device, help them to get online so that they can do their shopping, banking and other tasks from home if they are unable to get out. See the relevant sections on our Staying Independent page. 

There may be equipment and adaptations which would help them to stay independent. Care technology, such as pendant alarms and falls sensors, can also help keep them safe and give you peace of mind. 

Research what support may be available for your loved one in their area – from their local authority or from community organisations or support groups. 

If they live in Hampshire, all the information you need should be on this website.  If they live in another county, the best place to go for initial information would be the Adult Social Care department of the local authority where they live. Many local authority areas have Connect to Support websites like this.

 See our Managing at Home section for more information. 

Research what support may be available for your loved one in their area – from their local authority or from community organisations or support groups. 

If they live in Hampshire, all the information you need should be on this website.  If they live in another county, the best place to go for initial information would be the Adult Social Care department of the local authority where they live. Many local authority areas have Connect to Support websites like this.

 See our Managing at Home section for more information. 

Think about what you would do if you if your loved one had an emergency. If you can, make a list of friends, relatives or neighbours that live close to your relative, who you could call on at short notice.  You may need to travel at short notice so make sure you have money set aside for this.  If you work or have other responsibilities, think how this would be managed if you had to be absent for a while – can you make a contingency plan? 

Think about what you would do if you if your loved one had an emergency. If you can, make a list of friends, relatives or neighbours that live close to your relative, who you could call on at short notice.  You may need to travel at short notice so make sure you have money set aside for this.  If you work or have other responsibilities, think how this would be managed if you had to be absent for a while – can you make a contingency plan? 

You may not be providing ‘direct’ care but caring from a distance can still sometimes be emotionally exhausting.  There can be added stresses when you are not living close by. Try to build a support network and make use of support organisations as listed in the sections above. 

You may not be providing ‘direct’ care but caring from a distance can still sometimes be emotionally exhausting.  There can be added stresses when you are not living close by. Try to build a support network and make use of support organisations as listed in the sections above. 

Other resources and support

See our Equipment and adaptations section for information about equipment to help you and the person you care for.  This includes care technology equipment (such as pendant alarms, falls sensors and GPS trackers) to keep someone safe and independent and provide reassurance for carers.

See our Equipment and adaptations section for information about equipment to help you and the person you care for.  This includes care technology equipment (such as pendant alarms, falls sensors and GPS trackers) to keep someone safe and independent and provide reassurance for carers.

  • Carers Card UKoffers a national carer ID card. The card identifies you as a carer, includes emergency contact details and gives you access to discounts and online offers. It costs £9.99 and is valid for two years. This card is not endorsed by local charities or the Local Authority and does not automatically give you access to their services. 
  • The UK Cinema Association offers the CEA card to disabled people. This entitles any carer accompanying them to a free ticket and is accepted in 90% of cinemas in the UK. The card is available to people receiving disability or attendance allowance, registered blind or holding a disabled person’s railcard. A small processing fee is chargeable per card.
  • You may be eligible for the Blue Sky card as an unpaid carer.

See also our Concessions, discounts and help page.

  • Carers Card UKoffers a national carer ID card. The card identifies you as a carer, includes emergency contact details and gives you access to discounts and online offers. It costs £9.99 and is valid for two years. This card is not endorsed by local charities or the Local Authority and does not automatically give you access to their services. 
  • The UK Cinema Association offers the CEA card to disabled people. This entitles any carer accompanying them to a free ticket and is accepted in 90% of cinemas in the UK. The card is available to people receiving disability or attendance allowance, registered blind or holding a disabled person’s railcard. A small processing fee is chargeable per card.
  • You may be eligible for the Blue Sky card as an unpaid carer.

See also our Concessions, discounts and help page.

  • Caring for adults A free online course from the Open University. 15 hours of study – complete all or select relevant modules. It builds on what you already know to give you a better understanding of your role as a carer. It also supports your own well-being by giving you some ideas and information about looking after yourself and dealing with stress.

  • MindEd “I’m a carer and I’m stressed out” – online learning and resources to help you.

  • MindEd for Families - provides support for older people and their families when they are concerned about mental health and well-being - whether their own or family members.

  • Understanding Dementia 3 free online courses to help you understand and care for people with dementia.

  • Stroke4Carers – an online e-learning resource for informal carers of someone who has experienced a stroke.
  • Carers UK and NHS England have teamed up to provide unpaid carers in England with information, support and advice. Their Digital Resource for Carers is packed with e-learning, factsheets, guides and tools to help manage caring responsibilities. Look under 'South East' for the Hampshire code.
  • First Aid – online First Aid training. Simple skills that could help you save a life.
  • Connect to Support Hampshire's Trigger Tool e-learning course is aimed at anyone (including unpaid carers) working with or looking after potentially vulnerable people. It helps you to recognise possible signs or situations which may trigger a concern around someone’s safety, independence or physical / mental wellbeing. It will help you to think about:

      - what people can do to help themselves
      - what additional help or resources may be available

    It includes a helpful resource section with links to information, advice and support services
  • Caring for adults A free online course from the Open University. 15 hours of study – complete all or select relevant modules. It builds on what you already know to give you a better understanding of your role as a carer. It also supports your own well-being by giving you some ideas and information about looking after yourself and dealing with stress.

  • MindEd “I’m a carer and I’m stressed out” – online learning and resources to help you.

  • MindEd for Families - provides support for older people and their families when they are concerned about mental health and well-being - whether their own or family members.

  • Understanding Dementia 3 free online courses to help you understand and care for people with dementia.

  • Stroke4Carers – an online e-learning resource for informal carers of someone who has experienced a stroke.
  • Carers UK and NHS England have teamed up to provide unpaid carers in England with information, support and advice. Their Digital Resource for Carers is packed with e-learning, factsheets, guides and tools to help manage caring responsibilities. Look under 'South East' for the Hampshire code.
  • First Aid – online First Aid training. Simple skills that could help you save a life.
  • Connect to Support Hampshire's Trigger Tool e-learning course is aimed at anyone (including unpaid carers) working with or looking after potentially vulnerable people. It helps you to recognise possible signs or situations which may trigger a concern around someone’s safety, independence or physical / mental wellbeing. It will help you to think about:

      - what people can do to help themselves
      - what additional help or resources may be available

    It includes a helpful resource section with links to information, advice and support services
  • Information about work and career, including flexible working.
  • Our Health and Wellbeing section has lots of information to help you and the person you care for. This includes: general health advice to keep you fit and well, including help for specific issues (such as incontinence); NHS advice and services; mental health support including 5 Ways to Wellbeing;  and information about hospital stays.
  • See our information about specific Conditions, disabilities and end of life care.
  • Find help with Getting out and about with the person you care for. This includes information about Driving and parking, Leisure activities and Shopping (including accessibility guides and finding accessible toilets), Holidays, Learning and volunteering opportunities, Concessions and discounts).
  • If you are unsure what help you may be looking for, or don't have time to explore the website now, you can use our quick and easy Information Finder tool. This will find relevant links to information for you which you can email to yourself to access later.
  • Information about work and career, including flexible working.
  • Our Health and Wellbeing section has lots of information to help you and the person you care for. This includes: general health advice to keep you fit and well, including help for specific issues (such as incontinence); NHS advice and services; mental health support including 5 Ways to Wellbeing;  and information about hospital stays.
  • See our information about specific Conditions, disabilities and end of life care.
  • Find help with Getting out and about with the person you care for. This includes information about Driving and parking, Leisure activities and Shopping (including accessibility guides and finding accessible toilets), Holidays, Learning and volunteering opportunities, Concessions and discounts).
  • If you are unsure what help you may be looking for, or don't have time to explore the website now, you can use our quick and easy Information Finder tool. This will find relevant links to information for you which you can email to yourself to access later.
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  1. Support and advice
  2. Breaks and emergency help
  3. Moving and handling
  4. Financial support for carers
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