Looking after yourself as a carer

As a carer, you have a right to see your own health needs met - both physical and emotional. Keeping well yourself means that you are better placed to carry out your caring role.

Your doctor

Your doctor (GP) is a good starting point to get information and support. Your doctor may not know that you are a carer, so make sure that you tell them. Talk through any issues you have, especially if you are experiencing stress or anxiety. Your doctor can be one route in to social services, counselling and organisations that may be able to help.

When making an appointment, ask for extra time with your doctor to talk through matters. Make a list of questions beforehand - this will help the doctor understand the concerns you have about your own health and that of the person you care for.

If you find it difficult to get to the doctor because it's hard to leave the person you care for on their own, ask your doctor if a home visit is possible. It may also be possible to make other arrangements like prescriptions being delivered to your door. Ask if this can be arranged between your doctor and your chemist, if necessary.

Your local Trust

Your local Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for helping carers by providing support services. This could be something to help you cope at home, like a home help, or things that allow you to take a break from your caring role, like day centres.

In order to find out whether you are entitled to services and what support would help you best, the trust needs to carry out a carer's assessment.