When your caring role changes or ends
Looking after someone may be a large and significant part of your life, but often your caring role will change over time, and may come to an end. This may be because the person you are looking after has recovered and no longer needs care, because they can no longer be cared for at home or because they have died.
We have set out below some of the different ways in which your caring role may change or end, and outlined some of the practical, financial and emotional considerations to be aware of as these changes take place.
This information applies to people living in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Life after caring
The end of your caring role may take some time to adjust to. Having more time to yourself may give you the opportunity for a much needed rest, but it can also leave you feeling that you have a lot of time to fill.
Bereavement
Losing someone close to you can be devastating. If you have been caring for that person, the loss can seem even greater. How you process your feelings about the death of the person you looked after is a very personal thing.
End of life planning
When someone is nearing the end of life they may want to consider and plan how they will be looked after at this time.
Residential care
If the person you are looking after is no longer able to live independently at home because their care needs have increased, and for whatever reason you can no longer provide the care they need, residential care can be a sensible and realistic option.
