FAQs about caring

The internet is a good starting point and you will find a wide range of practical information and support on www.carers.org and www.carersuk.org

Carers UK has a network of local branches across the UK. Run by carers, for carers, these local branches run coffee mornings, organise outings and give you a chance to share your experiences with other who know what it’s like to care for someone with an illness or disability.

Visit Carers UK for more information on where the branches are and how to become a member.

You could also ask you GP or Citizens Advice Bureau about other carer centres or groups that might be running locally. Talk to other carers online through the Carers UK forums or the Princess Royal Trust for Carers discussion boards.

When the person you are caring for is having a health and social care assessment, it’s your right under the law to ask for a carer’s assessment if you want one.

A carer’s assessment is your chance to tell social services about the things that could make it easier for you to continue caring – such as specialist equipment or adaptations for the person you care for; help with planning what to do in an emergency; and possible respite care while you take a break.

To arrange an assessment, you should contact your local authority social services department. Directgov can help you get in touch.  

Everyone who has arthritis is an individual and their experience will be unique – so talking frankly with the person you care for is the first port of call. In addition, Arthritis Care has a range of detailed information about specific conditions and how these can affect people.

Experienced carers say it’s crucial to look after yourself and give yourself time and space away from the often exhausting job of caring. Respite care is where the person you are caring for goes into residential care for a short time to give you a break.

The first step in arranging this is often a carer’s assessment carried out by your local social services department. Find out more at www.carers.org

An occupational therapist is a good ally and a valuable source of information and advice. They can spend time with you and the person you care for in situ and talk to you in depth about your particular needs.

For more general advice about what’s available, Arthritis Care’s Independent Living and Arthritis booklet has some useful information about equipment, mobility aids, adaptations, technology and changes you can make to your home.

Navigating your way through the benefits system can be bewildering and frustrating. Start by getting a general understanding of the benefits available. See the Financial help pages in this section for signposts to the best sources of help.

You can also talk to your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau who will be able to give you up-to-date information about the benefits and rules in your country (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales).

 If you are under 18 and do a lot to help someone who has arthritis, you are a young carer. This can be a really positive thing, especially if you are helping your mum or dad, or a brother or sister.

But you also have the right to have fun and time off from your caring. www.youngcarers.net is a website set up especially for you. You’ll find lots of helpful information and advice about who you can turn to for support, as well as a chat room where you can talk online to other young carers and youth workers.

As many as three million carers in the UK also have a paid job. Combining both roles can work, especially if you are aware of the support which can be on offer for carers in some workplaces. As a first step, see the Balancing life with caring pages in this section – this will give you some useful tips about what to ask your employer as well as pointing you towards more detailed help and advice.