Spare a thought for the carers
claim all state benefits, notably the Carer’s Allowance, available to those who earn less than £120 per week and spend at least 35 hours a week providing regular care: “This is worth £64.60 per week, which can ease the financial burden a little.”
Those who offer care for at least 20 hours a week may also claim Carer’s Credit, which plugs gaps in their National Insurance record.
If struggling financially, Bushby said contact your local authority, which has a statutory duty to help carers: “It may offer financial support for both the carer and the person being cared for.”
If you qualify, the money can be used to pay for care from a family member or professional. “Caring can be mentally and physically exhausting, and local authorities may also help carers, say, by funding gym membership, a laptop or even housework.”
‘Local authorities may help by funding gym membership, a laptop or even housework’
GET SUPPORT LEGAL STRUGGLES
Bushby said carers need to make their feelings clear: “For example, they must say that whilst happy to give up their career, they can only do so if they are paid.”
It is better to address issues right at the start rather than leaving them to fester, as that could end up in a costly court case or disputed will.
Research from Direct Line Life Insurance shows that more than 12 million Britons would seek to dispute the bequests in a will, if they disagreed with the division of their estate.
Deborah Stone, founder of
Mature Thinking.co.uk, which advises companies on products and services for older people, said carers make great sacrifices and do vital work for society, often putting their own lives on hold.
Talking to others in a similar position can help, and you should look for a local carers centre, which are usually run by independent charities, or visit online chat rooms, for example at website Carers.org. “Sometimes it is important to be able to speak to someone who really understands what you are going through.”
Stone said trained volunteers on the Carers UK Adviceline on 0808 808 7777 can help with everything from advice on claiming benefits to emotional support. Or contact the NHS Carers Direct Helpline on 0300 123 1053, which has social care helplines and forums.
If you are spending time caring for someone you love you also need to take good care of yourself.