Carers: The Unsung Heroes

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who is living with a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or age-related needs. Unlike volunteers or paid professionals, carers take on this role out of necessity and compassion.

While caring for someone can be deeply rewarding, it can also affect every aspect of your life. It’s essential to prioritise your own health and wellbeing. This is especially true if you are caring for more than one person, as it can be difficult to find time for your own needs. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising, and managing stress are all key to sustaining your ability to care for others.

Many carers experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, particularly if their friends or family do not fully understand the demands of their role. If you are juggling work and caring responsibilities, it’s worth reviewing your employer’s policies. Working carers have legal rights, including the ability to request flexible working arrangements and to take time off for emergencies involving dependants. In England, Wales, and Scotland, carers are also entitled to up to one week of unpaid carers’ leave per year. More information is available here: www.gov.uk/carers-leave.

Technology can also play a supportive role. While it can’t replace human interaction, there are various tools and apps designed to help carers manage daily responsibilities, monitor wellbeing, and support loved ones in living independently for longer. Here are some helpful resources:

• Essential Equipment for Elderly Care at Home

• Adapting the Home for Comfort and Safety – Age UK

• Mental Health Apps – ORCHA Health

• Telecare and Assistive Technology – Wiltshire Council

It’s also important to plan for unexpected situations. Ask yourself: What would happen if you were suddenly unable to provide care? Could a family member or friend step in? Do you have key contact information easily accessible? Keep records and important details in one secure and consistent location.

Wiltshire offers an emergency carer ID card scheme to support carers in these scenarios: Wiltshire Carer ID Card

To explore the support available, consider reading the latest guidance from organisations such as Carers UK, including their Looking After Someone guide. A Carer’s Assessment is another valuable step—it helps identify your needs and the types of support that may benefit you, from emotional wellbeing services to practical assistance such as home care.

You can also request a Needs Assessment for the person you care for.

Care Coordinators at your GP surgery can help with a referral, or you can self-refer here: Carers Together Wiltshire – Carer Assessments. Please call your surgery and ask to talk to your care coordinator or social prescriber.

If caring is having an impact on your finances, both Age UK and Carers UK provide benefit checks and financial advice.

Other Useful Organisations and Resources:

• Age UK

• Carers UK

• Carents UK – Support for Those Caring for Elderly Parents

• Carers Together Wiltshire

• Swindon Carers Centre (for residents within Swindon Borough Council)

And let's not forget to thank those unsung hero's, especially next week in celebration of Carer's Week.

Written by Sandie, with thanks!