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Caring for someone can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be tough on your mental and physical health. As we get older, taking on the responsibility of caring for someone else can add new challenges.
You might experience:
- Feelings of isolation or loneliness
- Worries about your own health while caring for someone else
- Financial pressures if you’ve had to stop working or reduce your hours
- Struggling to balance your own needs with the needs of the person you care for
If you’re struggling, it’s important to look for practical or emotional support. You don’t have to do this alone.
Support for older carers
It can be hard to find the time and energy to focus on your own needs, but getting support for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.
Carers Leeds helps all unpaid carers in Leeds and offers information, advice and support, including one to one support by appointment in a community venue, over the phone and online. Call their advice line on 0113 380 4300 for information or advice about your caring situation or someone to talk to.
Common enquiries on the advice line include:
- finance and benefits
- access to services, respite, holidays
- assessments and personal budgets for the carer or cared for person
- opportunities for social contact
- looking after your wellbeing as a carer
- equipment and support for the cared for person
Carers Leeds also offers specialised dementia carer support to support carers of people living with memory problems or a diagnosis of dementia.
As an older carer, you might have specific needs or concerns. Age UK has tailored advice for carers over 65 you can read online.
You can find more general information for carers on our Caring for Someone page.