Most carers find that things change over time – both for the person they care for and for themselves. You will probably go through different stages as you care for someone. These stages are sometimes called the ‘caring journey’.
‘You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether that’s to family or someone outside.’
Many people find themselves caring for someone who is nearing the end of their life. This can be an emotional and stressful time, but there is a lot of support available to help you.
If you care for someone with an illness or disability, things are likely to change over time. The person might need more care in the future, or you might not be able to continue caring for them.
Emergencies can happen anytime. If you are a carer, planning for emergencies will help you to cope even when things go wrong.
As a carer, you’ll often put the needs of the person you care for before your own needs. It’s OK to look after yourself too.
As a carer, you have legal rights about your role and how you should be treated. You may also need to manage the legal affairs of the person you care for.