Toolkit for support

Knowing where to start when it comes to finding support to look after someone can be daunting. We have developed this toolkit to help you manage your time and interactions with professionals, and to help provide evidence of your caring responsibilities without having to repeat yourself.

Even if you feel as though you can manage without additional support at the moment, it may be helpful to explore these resources and keep them in mind for a future time when you might need them.

Support while you are waiting

Our While you are waiting factsheet brings together tips and guidance to refer to while you are waiting for an assessment or the results of one. This guide is full of practical advice to help you get support from services when needed. The guide covers everything from who to talk to, to finding out what level of assistance you might need.

Keeping track of what you've applied for

Fill in this tracker as you go along and you'll be able to keep track of appointments and applications you've made. You'll have a reliable record to refer to if you need to chase up or liaise with different professionals: application tracker.

Keeping a carer's diary so you can explain how your caring role fills your time

A carer's diary could be a practical aid to demonstrate to professionals, carrying out assessments, exactly what kind of tasks you are faced with on a day-to-day or weekly basis. It's a good way to monitor how much you're doing and justify your need for a break or need for support with your wellbeing, for example.

An information sheet about the person you care for

Having information about a person in one place including their medication requirements, cultural or religious needs or lifestyle preferences could save much time. As well as alerting professionals to their support needs, this information sheet could provide vital information if you need someone else to step in if you're away, unwell or need to spend any time in hospital.