I'm New to Caring
As an adult caring for another adult It’s important that you understand that you are are not just a ‘wife’, ‘husband’, ‘daughter’, ‘son, ‘brother’, ‘sister’ or ‘friend’, you are family carer. Help and support is available to you
Looking after someone can be tough.
We are pleased that you have identified as an unpaid family carer as this can be a difficult thing to do. You are now on the right path to getting the help and support you need, and are entitled to.
The ‘system’ can be confusing, emotions overwhelming at times and balancing caring with a job and family life can be exhausting. Below we have some quick tips, or you can skip straight to our interactive family carer pathway for adults caring for another adult.
Get the right advice and information
Caring can be extremely complicated, whether you’re trying to look after your own wellbeing or considering how to pay for care. Each part of the journey is confusing but when all the paths are tangled, it can feel overwhelming. Turning to an expert can help to unravel your situations.
Our Advisers are here to help but our website, provides a wide range of information to help in your caring role. We offer different support depending on your age, circumstances and who you care for. You can also register with us or subscribe up to receive our monthly newsletter, Carers Connected, and receive the latest information for family carers in Suffolk directly to your inbox
Hear from Michael about how we supported him when he was in need.
Request a Carers Assessment
If the person you support lives in Suffolk the first step is often a carers assessment from Suffolk County Council.
- A carer’s assessment is a conversation around what help you may need to support you in your caring role.
- The conversation is a chance for you to discuss how your caring responsibilities affect you and you may be entitled to extra support if you meet the eligibility criteria
As a trusted partner of Suffolk County Council the carers assessments are often carried out on their behalf by our team. Our trained advisers are well place to make your caring role easier to manage. You can request a Carers Assessment online, using the Suffolk County Council online referral form.
Look after our own health and wellbeing
Caring often involves an element of putting your own needs aside. However it’s hugely important that you also look after yourself. If you look after your own health and wellbeing you can continue being a family carer. We are all human and your needs are just as important as those of the person you care for.
We have some good advice on how to take break from your caring role, however big or small that break may be.
There are also many other organisations across Suffolk who offer support for family carers. Check out Our Friends event calendar for where support may be available near you.
Attend a FREE Workshops
Our range of FREE workshops are a great place to gather information, tips, ideas and caring strategies. They are also a great place for you meet with other family carers. No other caring role will be the same, but all family carers have something in common.
Our workshops are available both on-line and face to face in your area. Check out our events calendar to find relevant workshops in your area and that suit your needs. As you are new to caring we strongly recommend our carers rights and carers safety sessions.
Watch Debbie’s Story about how our workshops helped her navigate her caring role.
Our Interactive Family Carer Pathway
We have developed our interactive family carer pathway to provide more details of the support that may be available to you as an adult, caring for another adult. Click the + next to each box to find out more
