A carer is someone who provides help and support to a family member or friend. They may do this for just an hour a week or several hours each day.

If you are a carer, you can get free information and advice from local carers organisations, your GP or social services departments. You can also ask for a carer’s assessment.
Live-in carers

The right live-in carer can provide your elderly relative with 24-hour home support. It is often a cheaper and more convenient alternative to residential care, but also provides a safe environment for your loved one to stay at home and receive the help they need.

Unlike introductory agencies, fully managed care service providers employ their carers directly and provide standardised training too. They also manage pay, holidays and pensions for their carers – and typically charge a weekly fee.

This approach is best for those looking to arrange long-term care or respite care. It is also ideal for those who don’t want to lose the independence they enjoy at home or are uncomfortable living with a stranger in their own home. The agency will assess your relative’s needs and arrange a suitable match for them, based on care experience, qualifications and personality. They may also work with your GP to ensure that the care plan meets all their health and social care requirements.
Private carers

When a person reaches the age where they need to have help with everyday tasks, they may find themselves having to give up on activities that they once loved. This can be because they simply don’t have the time or energy to pursue them anymore. This can leave the individual feeling sad and lonely.

A private carer can help you regain some of your independence by taking over the tasks you have become too tired to do. They can also encourage you to return to your hobbies or to try new ones.

There are agencies that specialise in finding private carers. These organisations will do most of the background checks and training for the caregivers they introduce to you. They will also take on the legal responsibilities of employing the carer which means they arrange holiday and sickness cover for them. They will usually charge a one-off introduction fee. You can also hire a private carer independently.
Do-it-yourself carers

Caring for a loved one takes time and energy. In some cases, caregivers reduce their working hours or leave their job altogether to care for a disabled or elderly family member.

Finding help is possible and there are many options available to you. You can look at private carers or ask your local aging and disability resource center for guidance. In addition, you can find online support groups for caregivers. For example, Working Daughter is a community for women who are juggling careers, motherhood and caring for someone.

Try to stay organised and make lists of daily tasks. You can also use technology to keep track of important information and medication. Exercise can increase energy levels and improve sleep quality. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You can also add music to the exercise or break the routine up into a series of short “mini-workouts.” Make sure your loved one has access to stairs and consider installing safety railings.
Carer assessment

The carer assessment process can help you find a carer. It aims to find out about the person you’re caring for and how it affects you – for example, whether it is preventing you from working or taking part in adult education. It also looks at the amount of time you have for hobbies and leisure activities, and how your health is affected by your role as a carer.

The council should arrange a meeting for you with an assessor who will ask you about your needs. You might find it helpful to write down what you’d like to discuss before the assessment, and to bring someone with you if you think it would be helpful.

The assessor should decide if you have a need for support and make a care and support plan with you. This will include a description of what support you need and who will provide it. You may be eligible for a personal budget that you can use to buy your own support services, or a direct payment to spend on activities that meet your assessed need.