Caring for your future

Every day, 6,000 more people become carers but few are fully prepared for the role which might come on gradually as a loved one needs more support, or it can happen suddenly if someone has a stroke or an accident.

Carers’ Rights Day is on November 30 and this year it is focusing on supporting people to plan for the future. The day aims to:

✔ Make carers aware of their rights

✔ Let them know where to get help and support

✔ Raise awareness of their needs

Hundreds of events are held across the country each year to provide information for carers. If you or a group you belong to wants to get involved, contact Carers UK (see panel right). You will receive a Carers’ Rights Day pack including copies of the updated 2019 guide, Looking After Someone.

Thousands of carers struggle to juggle work and family responsibilities with caring for a friend or relative. Three million people are working carers in the UK and all employees have a right to request flexible working after they have worked for the same employer for six months. This could mean working from home, parttime working, term-time working, flexi-time and job sharing. Carers also have the right to request time off in an emergency.

Carers often put their own lives on hold when looking after someone else, but it’s important to get any help that may be available. Any carer who has a need for support should be offered an assessment by their local council. As a carer you are entitled to an assessment regardless of the amount of care you provide, your financial means or your level of need. Before you have an assessment, take time to consider how caring affects your life. Think about how any help would make a difference to you as a carer.

Carers’ Rights Day is about making life better for carers so make sure you support any events in your area.