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Caring

For someone with a life-limiting illness

Caring for someone can be demanding and difficult.  But there is more help available than you realise

There are lots of possible sources of help, but which ones are right for you? ​

 

Time for yourself helps you relax, but if you don’t have the opportunity for a swim, an evening class or for developing friendships, it is really important you are able to get a break, even just ten minutes to have a cup of tea or read a magazine. Or take twenty minutes for a walk in the fresh air. 

 

Your local library, town, village, church and parish notice boards can provide information about varied social activities, events, education and courses. Find out about the emotional, practical and financial support available to you.

 

See also village/parish magazines, local news and radio for social groups, drop ins and café chats, allotments, art, choirs and music, walking groups, chess and puzzle clubs, movement and dance groups, badminton, bowls and other social activities that interest you.

Carer's assessment

A carer’s assessment is a conversation between yourself and a professional from the council. You will discuss the impact of your caring role on your own wellbeing and identify any support needs you have. They will then help you to identify the services and support options that are right for you and the person you care for. You can request a carers assessment from the carers team at your council online via: 

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  • Leicester City Council carer's assessment 

  • Leicestershire Council carer's assessment 

  • Rutland County Council carer's assessment or contact the duty team on 01572 758341 or email carersteam@rutland.gov.uk

Social Prescribing

Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. You will find more information via www.socialprescribingnetwork.com.

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The lists for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland provide many useful contacts and will help you to get answers to important questions such as:

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  • I am caring for someone, what support is there for me?

  • I have recently become a carer, where can I find general advice and help?

  • Is there any funding available for me as a carer?

  • I'm under 18 and I help my Dad every day to wash, dress and feed himself. Is there anyone else like me? Are there any organisations that will support me?

  • Is any help available when caring for someone with a specific condition?

  • Can Respite Care Provision give me a break from caring?

Leicester and Leicestershire carers

Sources of advice for carers.

Rutland carers

Sources of advice for carers.

More information to help new carers with day to day practical challenges

If you are suddenly faced with having to care for a loved one and you have no previous experience of caring, you are likely to be faced with many practical issues that you haven't dealt with before, such as how to safely lift someone out of a chair or how to help someone use the toilet. This can be very daunting and it is important to realise that you don't have to face this alone.  

 

If you are concerned, you can speak to your GP and the health care providers who will be able to ensure that you are shown how to overcome any practical challenges you and the person you are caring for are facing.

 

There are also some useful links on the Marie Curie website, which offers practical advice on day to day caring for a loved one at home including:

 

  • Practical advice on all those practical things you did not know you needed until now

  • A booklet on being cared for at home 

  • Getting someone out of chair

  • Moving someone into bed

  • Help with medication

  • Helping someone use the toilet

  • Helping someone to relax

  • Helping a friend or family member who is caring for a loved one who is dying

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