No one can be fully prepared for becoming a carer. It often happens suddenly - whether a cancer diagnosis, dementia or a disability, it can be incredibly hard as you deal with the emotions involved with looking after someone you love.
This is an issue that affects one in five of us,* with the demands of round-the-clock care often leaving carers unable to work themselves. If you're looking after someone who needs lots of support, whether that's personal care, food or cleaning their house, that's going to impact your ability to stay in work, which comes with massive implications for your personal finances,' says Christine Casely from charity Carers UK.
The cost-of-living crisis is adding even more pressure. One in six carers is in debt, according to research by the charity, and are being forced to cut back on food and heating. If you've got someone who needs their body temperature regulated, it's not an option to turn the heating off,' says Christine. 'Often, we see these costs coming out of the carer's pocket. When incomes are limited, that is really difficult.
Find out what help you're entitled to...
What can help
If you're a carer, you may be entitled to the following...
CARER'S ALLOWANCE
This is for people who care for someone for more than 35 hours a week. 'Currently sitting at £69.70 per week, this is set to rise this month to £76.75, explains Louise Yasities, elderly care expert at TakingCare Personal Alarms.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 24, 2023-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 24, 2023-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
ANITA NAIK A PROBLEM SHARED
Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 32 years
ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Add the wilds of Kruger National Park to your bucket list, says Amanda James
'LET'S RAISE SOME SERIOUS CASH!'
The Radio 2 DJ is among the hosts of Children In Need…
THREE WOMEN ONE DRESS
Gemma Stevens, 34, needed a wedding dress that had stood the test of time
HOW TO HAVE A SILENT NIGHT
Trouble nodding off? Waking in the early hours? Our experts can help
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on I'm a Celeb, work attire and young drivers
I THOUGHT HE'D COME TO KILL ME
For Sally Meeson, 45, the end of a relationship was the beginning of a nightmare
Loose Women IN CRISIS
With unhappy viewers and panel fall-outs, are the key characters about to be axed?
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother