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Helping an older relative or friend

Although caring for an older person can be rewarding, it can sometimes be tough too. You may not even think of yourself as a carer or be aware of the many sources of emotional, practical and financial support that are available to you. We cover the main things to help lighten the load a little.

Are you a carer?

If you look after your partner, or a relative or friend who is ill or disabled, you are a carer, even if you don’t think of yourself that way.

There are many ways that you might care for someone.

For instance you might:

  • be on hand 24 hours a day to provide care
  • arrange hospital appointments for someone
  • drop round each day to keep someone company or cook their dinner
  • visit a relative who lives far away once a month to see how they’re doing.
If you care for someone you love, we can help support you in your role. Enter your postcode to find your nearest Age UK.

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Advice for carers

  • Worried about money

    Caring for someone can lead to money worries, especially if your caring role means you have to give up work.

  • Can you get help from social services?

    If you’re finding caring difficult, a little extra help could make a lot of difference.

  • Looking after yourself

    If you’re a full-time carer or spend a lot of time caring for someone, it's important to make time for yourself too.

  • Juggling work and care

    It may help to know about your rights at work and think about what could help you with managing your work and your caring role.

  • When your caring role changes

    If you’re caring for someone and their needs increase, or they move into a care home, or they die, it can be a difficult time.

Money considerations

A small favour

All the information and advice we provide on the website is free and completely independent, as is our National Advice Line that is open 365 days a year.

But demand is going up. We are an ageing population and more people than ever are coming to us for support, which is why we need to ask for help.

If you are able to, just a small gift today could help us reach even more older people wherever the need is greatest.

Please support our work

For more information call Age UK on 0800 055 6112

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