Advice for Carers
Introduction
If you are looking after someone such as your spouse, partner, parent or other relative, you are a carer even if you don't think of yourself as one because you are 'just helping your family'.
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating and many carers do not receive the help they are entitled to.
In Scotland, the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 defines a carer as someone who 'provides or intends to provide care for another individual’. The law gives you the right to support from your local council in your caring role and also support to help you improve and maintain your health and wellbeing.
Read our guide for adult carers
Find out more about your rights as a carer and the practical side of caring
Carer's Allowance
You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a person with a health condition or disability, and who receives a qualifying disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance. See our guide below.
> Read more about Carer's Allowance here
Download our guide to Carer's Allowance
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a payment for people who are over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability which means that they need help with personal care or supervision.
> Read more about Attendance Allowance here
Carers' Training
We offer free, accessible training for unpaid carers to ensure they have a greater understanding of their rights and how to access them. Through joining one of our friendly, interactive workshops, carers can learn more about their rights and how to realise those rights.
Caring for someone with Early Stage Dementia
Age Scotland has produced an information guide for people caring for someone with Early Stage Dementia:
Caring for someone with Early Stage Dementia
If someone receives a dementia diagnosis they and their family will have questions, including about what support they will receive.
Age Scotland has produced a range of guides to help you, including a guide to dementia and benefits. You can read and download them all here.
Further information and support
The Coalition of Carers in Scotland – for detailed information about your rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act.
Carers Trust – a charity working with a local network of carers’ centres.
Carers UK – provides advice and information to carers, as well as support through local carers’ groups and their telephone listening service.
Care Information Scotland – Scottish Government information if you look after someone, need care yourself or are planning for your future care needs.
The Age Scotland Helpline
Our free 0800 12 44 222 helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
Order copies of our publications
You can download our guides using the links on this page. To request copies, which will be posted out to you for free, you can use our online publications order form or call the Age Scotland Helpline (0800 12 44 222 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).