Last Updated: November 29, 2024
Visiting and live-in homecare provider GoodOaks Homecare share news of their ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign, which they have developed to help support people caring for others.
You Are Not Alone
After months of preparation, GoodOaks Homecare has launched a national campaign: You Are Not Alone. Supported by their franchise partners, this campaign aims to address the lack of support and resources for individuals who are looking after someone who would struggle to cope at home without their help. More often than not, this care is provided by family members who are also juggling their own jobs, have young families, and other responsibilities.
You Are Not Alone focuses on recognising the invaluable role of unpaid carers and aims to make caring for loved ones more manageable. It strives to create awareness about the challenges they face as well as advocating for increased support, information, and celebration of their efforts.
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating, which is why GoodOaks have created a range of resources to support people in a caring role. These include information sessions, downloadable guides, and video series viewable on their Youtube channel covering everything from hydration and nutrition, and falls prevention and mobility, to self-care tips for unpaid carers. They have also set up a helpline at HQ for anyone looking for help and support, and encourage anyone to call for a chat.
Who is an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is usually someone who provides care and support to a family member, friend, or a dependent who has a disability, chronic illness, or other needs due to their age. This care is provided without receiving financial payment or formal employment benefits.
Unpaid carers can be of any age, and their roles can vary from providing personal care, like helping with bathing and dressing, to managing medications, and assisting with daily living tasks such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Care can be delivered in many forms, from short daily visits, to around the clock care.
What is burnout and how is it identified?
Looking after someone can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Burnout can occur when someone takes on the role of caring for another person, often for an extended period and without sufficient support or relief. It is considered, both physical and mental exhaustion.
Some of the signs of burnout can include constant tiredness, even after resting. Feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, isolation or anxiety and general emotional strain. It may also manifest itself in health problems such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to illnesses. Individuals who suspect they may be experiencing burnout should seek help from their GP or a mental health professional.
What support is available to unpaid carers?
Thankfully, there are lots of charities in the UK who work really hard to support unpaid carers. All of which have localised services, making it easier to find support in your local area. Organisations, such as Carers UK or Carers Trust, offer guidance and resources. You can also find local carer information in the regional care directories on the Care Choices website – read online, download or order your free printed copies here.
How do you prove you’re an unpaid carer?
Proving this, in the UK, typically involves providing evidence of your caregiving responsibilities and the relationship between you and the person you care for. This proof is often required to access certain benefits, support services, and carers’ grants. Carers UK have a great page on their website that explains this and gives different examples of ways that someone can prove this.
Financial support for carers
If your financial situation is being impacted by your caring responsibilities, there might be ways to enhance your income:
Carer’s Allowance: If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person and don’t earn more than £139 a week, you might be entitled to attendance allowance, which is currently £81.90 a week (2024/25). The rules are complicated and you can get help from Citizens Advice to check you’re getting what you should.
Carer’s Credit: If you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, you could get a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance Record. Carers UK offers guidance on protecting your pension during these times.
Grants and Financial Aid: Local charities or trusts may offer grants and other financial assistance. Turn2Us provides information on charities that could offer support.
Other help for carers
Carers Leave Act: Introduced in April 2024, employees will be entitled to one week of unpaid leave to give or arrange care for a dependant who has a disability or care needs due to old age, or an illness or injury that means they’re expected to need care for more than three months.
CEA Card:For £6, this card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. You can find a list of discounts, carers cards and money saving tips for carers, in this Care Choices blog.
GoodOaks are encouraging people to remember that: You Are Not Alone. Sharing experiences with others who’ve walked your path can be hugely beneficial. There are local support groups and online forums where you can meet other unpaid carers like you. GoodOaks are striving to make it easier for people to access free resources. For more information on the campaign and to speak with a member of their team, click HERE.
Former family carer, Beth Britton, has written a number of articles aimed at unpaid carers which you can find on the Care Choices website:
- Carer breakdown – recognising when caring responsibilities go beyond your means
- Finding respite care
If caring has become too much and you are looking for extra help, you can visit this page for guidance on accessing social care, or start your search for home care providers here.
