Family Carer Support and Wellbeing: A Complete Guide
A compassionate guide to understanding your role as a family carer, managing your own wellbeing, knowing your rights, and accessing the support you deserve.
5 million
Unpaid carers in the UK
£132bn
Value of unpaid care annually
10-20 hrs
Average hours caring per week
63%
Experience significant stress
Understanding Your Role as a Family Carer
If you provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, or elderly, you are a family carer (sometimes called an unpaid carer or informal carer). There are 5 million family carers across the UK, and many people only realise they fit this description after they have been supporting someone for months or even years.
Being a family carer is a privilege and a profound responsibility. It often brings deep meaning and strengthens relationships, but it also comes with significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges that society does not always recognise or support adequately.
What Does It Mean to Be a Family Carer?
A family carer is someone who provides unpaid care or support to a relative or friend because they have health or care needs. This might include:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing, toileting, or managing continence
- Medication management and health monitoring
- Emotional support and companionship
- Help with household tasks, cooking, and shopping
- Managing appointments, finances, or correspondence
- Providing specialist care (dementia, palliative care, physical disabilities)
- Being on call in case of emergencies
The Physical and Emotional Impact of Caring
Whilst caring for someone you love is rewarding, it takes a real toll on your physical health, mental wellbeing, and quality of life. Research shows that carers are significantly more likely to experience health problems, depression, and stress than the general population.
Recognising the Signs of Carer Burnout
Carer burnout is not weakness or failure; it is a sign that you need more support. Common signs include:
Exhaustion that rest does not seem to relieve, feeling constantly anxious, irritable, or on edge, losing patience or feeling frustrated with the person you care for, withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities, neglecting your own health, hobbies, or self-care. Sleep problems, changes to appetite, or physical aches and pains, feeling trapped, hopeless, or questioning whether you can continue, experiencing depression or thoughts of self-harm
The Health Consequences of Caring
Studies consistently show that carers experience poorer health outcomes than non-carers:
Stress-related conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune system, mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of psychosis. Musculoskeletal problems: back pain, neck strain, and repetitive strain injuries, sleep disorders and chronic fatigue, higher rates of hospital admission and medication use
Your Rights as a Carer
Under UK law, you have significant rights and entitlements as a carer. Too many carers do not claim what they are legally entitled to, simply because they do not know these rights exist.
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 is the primary legislation protecting carers in England. It recognises your wellbeing and gives you the legal right to:
A free carer's assessment of your own support needs (separate from the person you care for), Information and advice about support available to you, support to participate in work, education, training, and leisure activities, breaks from caring (respite care), reasonable adjustments in the workplace if your employer knows you are a carer
Your Right to a Carer's Assessment
One of your most important rights is to request a free carer's assessment from your local authority. This assessment looks at the impact of caring on your physical health, mental health, social life, work, and finances. It can identify support and services that would help you, such as respite care, counselling, or training courses.
You can request a carer's assessment at any time, whether the person you care for has received a social care assessment or not. If you live in Hertfordshire, contact Hertfordshire County Council Adult Services. In Cambridgeshire, contact Cambridgeshire County Council.
Your Right to a Life Outside Caring
You have the legal right to: Take time off for your own rest and recovery, pursue education, training, and career development, maintain your own social relationships and community participation, have a holiday or extended break from caring.
This is not selfish. Maintaining your own identity, interests, and relationships is essential for your wellbeing and actually makes you a more patient and effective carer.
Financial Support for Carers
Financial pressures are one of the biggest stressors for family carers. Many reduce their working hours or stop work entirely to provide care. Thankfully, several government benefits and support schemes exist specifically for carers.
Carer's Allowance (2025/26)
Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment of £81.90 (2025/26) for people aged 16 or over who care for someone at least 35 hours per week and are not earning more than £190 per week (after certain deductions). You cannot claim if you are under 16, retired, or in full-time education.
Carer's Credit
If you do not qualify for Carer's Allowance (for example, because you earn too much or are over State Pension age), you may qualify for National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension. This is automatically awarded if you receive Carer's Allowance, but you can also apply separately.
Council Tax Discounts
If you are the sole adult resident in a property with someone who is disabled, you may qualify for a council tax discount of 25% to 50%. Contact your local council to apply.
| Benefit | Amount (2025/26) | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Carer's Allowance | £81.90/week | Care 35+ hours/week; under State Pension age; not earning above £190/week |
| Attendance Allowance (Higher) | £110.40/week | Age 65+; significant care needs; no financial limit |
| Attendance Allowance (Middle) | £73.60/week | Age 65+; moderate care needs; no financial limit |
| Personal Independence Payment (Daily Living) | £81.90-£88.50/week | Under State Pension age; long-term health condition or disability |
| Council Tax Discount | 25-50% reduction | Only adult caring for disabled person in your home |
| Carer's Credit | Pension credit | Eligible if care 20+ hours/week at any age |
Carer's Assessment Explained
A carer's assessment is one of your most valuable rights. It is a separate conversation focused entirely on your needs and wellbeing, not on assessing the person you care for.
What Is a Carer's Assessment?
A carer's assessment is a meeting with a social worker or carer support officer who looks at how caring is affecting your life and what support could help you. It is your chance to be heard and to identify practical help, emotional support, respite care, or other services that could make caring more manageable.
How to Get a Carer's Assessment
Contact your local authority and ask for a carer's assessment. You do not need to wait for the person you care for to have had an assessment first. You can request one at any time:
- Hertfordshire: Hertfordshire County Council Adult Services
- Cambridgeshire: Cambridgeshire County Council Adult Services
What Support Can You Get?
Based on your assessment, you may be offered:
- Respite care or day centre activities for the person you care for
- Counselling or emotional support for yourself
- Support groups for carers
- Training courses (dementia, first aid, moving and handling)
- Occupational therapy or equipment to help manage physical demands
- Direct payments to arrange your own breaks from caring
- Signposting to benefits, legal advice, and other specialist support
What the Assessment Covers
Your carer's assessment will explore:
- Your physical and mental health
- How caring affects your work, education, and career prospects
- Your social life, relationships, and community participation
- Your financial situation and benefits you may be entitled to
- Your need for breaks and respite care
- Support for any specific challenges (managing behaviour, medical care, dementia support)
- Adaptations or equipment that might help you
Local Information: Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire
The processes for Direct Payments are broadly similar across England, but each local authority has its own team and processes. Here is local information for the areas we serve.
In-home respite
A care worker comes to your home to look after the person you care for, whilst you take time away or for yourself at home
Day centres
The person you care for attends a local day centre for several hours, usually on set days each week
Short-term residential respite
The person you care for stays in a care home or residential facility for a few days or a week
Emergency respite
Available urgently if you become ill or cannot care for unexpected reasons
Holiday care
Planned respite care allowing you to take a holiday or extended break
How Living Plus Helps
We provide respite care across our Hatfield and Peterborough branches. We match you with regular carers who build a relationship with the person you support.
Call Us Today
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Looking after yourself whilst caring for someone else is not indulgent — it is essential. Your wellbeing directly affects your ability to care effectively and safely.
Physical Health
- Schedule regular GP appointments and health checks, even if you feel well
- Maintain a balanced diet; don't skip meals even when you are busy
- Move your body daily — even a 20-minute walk reduces stress significantly
- Prioritise sleep; poor sleep worsens physical health and emotional resilience
- Take breaks from physically demanding care tasks to prevent injury
Mental & Emotional Health
- Talk about how you feel — don't let bottled emotions lead to burnout
- Join a support group; hearing from others who understand is powerful
- Consider counselling or therapy if you feel depressed or anxious
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques when stress builds up
- Give yourself permission to feel a wide range of emotions, including frustration
Setting Boundaries
- Establish clear hours when you are not working as a carer, even if you live together
- Say no to requests that compromise your wellbeing
- Ask for help when you need it; accepting support is not failure
- Involve other family members in sharing the caring responsibilities where possible
- Keep some activities and interests that are entirely your own
Support Groups and National Services
You are not alone. Thousands of carers across the UK are navigating the same challenges. These organisations offer advice, practical help, and genuine understanding.
National Organisations
Carers UK
The leading charity for family carers. Information, support groups, campaigning, and practical advice on your rights and benefits.
0808 808 7777National Organisations
Carers Trust
Supports carers across the UK through a network of local services. Find support specifically in your area through their online directory.
carerstrust.org.ukAssessment Support · Free
Cast
The Carers Assessment & Support Team — free support and advice to help you get the carer's assessment and support you are entitled to.
www.the-cast.org.uk →Hertfordshire · Local
Herts County Council
Hertfordshire County Council Adult Services can arrange your carer's assessment, respite care, and direct payments for carers.
01992 588000 →Cambridgeshire · Local
Cambs County Council
Cambridgeshire County Council Adult Services — assessments, respite care, and support services for carers across Cambridgeshire.
01223 699999 →Dementia Specialist · Free
Dementia UK
Admiral Nurses offering specialist dementia support for family carers. One-to-one advice, emotional support, and practical guidance.
0800 888 6678 →
Technology and Tools That Can Help
Modern technology can make caring easier and give you peace of mind. From simple reminders to sophisticated monitoring systems, there are tools designed specifically to support family carers.
Safety and Location Monitoring
- Devices like Gizmo Watch or 4G watches allow you to locate the person you care for
- Small devices that fit in a pocket or on a belt
- Automatically alert you or emergency services if the person falls
- Alert you if someone leaves a room or bed at night
Monitoring and Communication
- See who is at the door even if you are not at home
- Discreetly check in on someone during the day (with their knowledge and consent)
- Emergency alert systems that connect to a 24-hour monitoring centre
- FaceTime, WhatsApp video, or Skype allow regular contact and reassurance
Helpful Apps and Tools
- Track daily care tasks and activities
- Share updates with family members involved in caring
- Free app with local support information and articles
- Free mental health support tool
- Keep some activities and interests that are entirely your own
Free mental health support tool
- Pill organiser boxes: Simple, affordable, and effective for weekly medication management
- Dispense the correct medication at the correct time with reminders
- Apps like Medisafe or DrugReminder send medication reminders directly to your phone or smartwatch
Getting Professional Support in Hatfield and Peterborough
Living Plus Care Services works closely with family carers to provide care that respects the relationships you have built — and supports the work you do.
How Living Plus Can Support You
We offer:
- Regular breaks so you can rest and recharge
- Dementia care, palliative support, and care for complex health conditions
- We can provide care for a few hours a week or 24-hour live-in care
- We match you with regular carers who build relationships with the person you care for
- Our care team can advise on local services, benefits, and support available to you
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Our Hatfield branch covers Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Potters Bar, and surrounding areas of Hertfordshire. We work closely with Hertfordshire County Council and local NHS services.
Call us: 01707 707599Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Our Peterborough branch covers Peterborough and surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire, providing high-quality CQC-registered care in partnership with local services.
Call us: 01733 911656Free Assessment
Contact Living Plus Care Services today for a free, no-obligation assessment. We will discuss your situation, the support you need, and how we can help. There is no pressure, and we are here to listen.
You Are Not Alone. Get the Support You Deserve.
Whether you need respite care, someone to talk to, or practical help, Living Plus Care Services is here. We understand the challenges of family caring and are committed to supporting both you and the person you care for.
Book Free Carer Consultation: www.livingpluscare.co.uk/contactHatfield: 01707 707599Peterborough: 01733 911656Available 7 days a week