Getting care and support
No one person can do it all. Caring is very hard work - physically and emotionally.
Getting care and support might mean you can spend more quality time with people close to you, and might give you a chance to take a break from your caring role and do something you enjoy.
There are different options for getting care and support, such as via assessments from the local council/trust, or by finding care and support yourself. This section explores these options in more detail.
The information on getting care and support can vary depending on whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Each page in this section explains which nation(s) it covers.
Carer's assessment
Carer’s assessments are for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who are disabled, ill or elderly.
Paying for care and support in England FAQ
On the Carers UK Adviceline we receive lots of questions about when the local council might help with the cost of care and support. This FAQ covers some of the most commonly asked questions on this topic.
Needs assessment
Needs assessments are for adults (18 years of age or over) who may need help because of a disability, ill health or old age.
Making complaints
If you, or the person you are looking after, are having issues with the local council/trust, the NHS or a care service, you or they could make a complaint to try and resolve these issues.
Young carers and carers of children under 18
Young carers and carers of children under 18 have different assessments to adult carers of adults.
Care Act FAQ
Find out about the Care Act 2014 and what it means for you.
Direct payments
If you, or the person you are looking after, are assessed by the local council/trust as needing support, then you or they have a right to ask for a direct payment instead of having the support arranged by the local council/trust.
Finding care and support yourself
The following information will be helpful if you want to find care and support for the person you are looking after.
Care standards and CQC
Read about what standards you can expect from care organisations, and what you can do if you think these are not being met. (Note: England only)
