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Resources for carers
There are more than 6 million people in Britain currently caring for a partner, friend or relative who is unable to manage alone, due to illness or disability.
These informal carers are estimated to save £87 billion a year that would otherwise be a cost to the NHS and Social Services in providing the support that they give without charge.
Some carers have to give up working, and many find that they are struggling with poverty and social isolation, as well as their caring responsibilities. Some 20% have such financial problems that they even cut down on food. Yet at the same time, £660 million of carer benefits are unclaimed each year...
Some
providers of support services for carers. Click
on a highlighted name, to open details in a new window:
Angelus telephone-based welfare monitoring service
Drinkup hands-free drinking
Easylink UK care alerts
Inclusion - OT consultancy provide
independent advice for carers
LifeMax wander
alarms
PivoTell automatic
pill dispensers, telecare medication management
Very few of us are really prepared when we suddenly find ourselves responsible for the needs of another person, so this is a quick round-up of support available:
Independent Living's guide to financial benefits
Independent Living's guide to equipment hire
Independent Living's guide to fall prevention
Independent Living's guide to telecare - services to monitor your friend or relative's well-being when you can't be there.
Independent Living's guide to respite care
Independent Living's guide to palliative care
The Essential Carer's Guide - a handbook by Mary Jordan. Read our review
For information on products to help make life easier and more comfortable, please visit our Independent Living Product Centre
Independent Living's editor, Frances Leckie, has written an overview of developments in the fields of assistive technology and aids to independent living, which you may find useful, particularly if you are new to caring. Click here to download the article as a pdf
Remember - if you don't find the answer to your question here, you can always email us, and we'll do our best to help.
Quick links to other topics in the "Advice" section are below:
Benefits
Keep warm
Eat well
Investments
Keep fit
Keep safe
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