This week is Carers Week, which recognises the millions of people across the UK who look after a family member, partner or friend. If you are caring for someone, you may not even think of yourself as a “carer”. You are just doing what needs to be done. But caring is demanding, and you are entitled to support.
Are you a carer?
If you regularly help someone who could not manage without you, because of age, illness, disability or dementia, you are a carer. That might mean shopping and cooking for a parent, helping a partner wash and dress, managing medication, or simply being on call day and night.
A carer’s assessment
In England, every carer has the right to a free carer’s assessment from the council, whatever your income and whether or not the person you care for gets any help. In Saffron Walden and the rest of Uttlesford, this is Essex County Council. The assessment looks at how caring affects your life, your health, your work and your wellbeing, and what could help.
If the person you care for lives across the border in Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, contact their county council instead.
Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, and they receive a qualifying benefit such as Attendance Allowance, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. From April 2025 it is £83.30 a week, and you can earn up to £196 a week (after certain deductions) and still claim. Check the details on GOV.UK, as it can affect other benefits.
Look after your own health
- Tell your GP you are a carer. Many surgeries keep a carers’ register and can offer flexible appointments and health checks.
- Try to keep up with something just for you, even if it is only an hour a week.
- Accept offers of help, and be specific about what would help most.
- Talk to others in the same position. Carers UK and local carers’ groups offer advice and peer support.
Taking a break
Many carers keep going until they reach breaking point. Regular breaks are not a luxury; they are what makes caring sustainable. That might be a few hours a week for a coffee with friends, time to get to your own appointments, or simply a night’s sleep.
How home care helps family carers
Home care is not only for the person who needs support. It is often just as much for the family. Here to Care’s carers can take on the tasks that have become a strain, such as help getting up and washed in the morning, or getting ready for bed, so that the time you spend together is about being together.
We can help with:
- Personal care: washing, dressing, toileting and medication support.
- Companionship and home help: company, outings, meals, shopping and housework, giving you a few hours off.
- Dementia care: patient, consistent support that gives you time to rest.
Visits can be as short as half an hour, regular or occasional, seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.
Talk to us
If you are caring for someone in Saffron Walden or the surrounding villages and could do with some support, we would be glad to talk. Call 01799 218190 or contact us online.
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