Your questions about caring

Here are the answers to some common questions about caring.

We speak with thousands of carers about their situation. Some questions are shared by a lot of people, so we've made our advice available here.

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Your questions

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  • Am I a family/friend carer?

    You are a carer if you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who without your support would not be able to manage. They may have a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail. 

    Anyone can become a carer: Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. 

    The person may live with you or elsewhere (even in a care setting) may be an adult or a child but if they rely on you for support due to a condition or illness, then you are a carer. 

    Please note that claiming Carers Allowance does not affect the support you are entitled to as a family/friend carer, claiming Carers Allowance does not mean you are a ‘paid carer’ 

    Take a look at our information about Caring From A Distance as part of our Caring Guides.

    Contact our Carer Support Advisory team if you would like to talk about your caring role. You can call the team on 01992 58 69 69 or email contact@carersinherts.org.uk. 

    Please note Carers in Hertfordshire does not support foster carers, paid careworkers (for whom caring is a job) or kinship carers. 

  • Who do I tell I'm a carer?

    There is no official register for family or friend carers. But informing services, professionals and people you know of your caring role will enable you to access additional support. 

    • Contact your local carers centre. In Hertfordshire this is Carers in Hertfordshire. If you care for someone outside of Hertfordshire, we recommend that you also try to register with the carers centre in that area as they will have knowledge of local services. You can find details of other carers centres here: Support where you live 
    • Tell your GP surgery you have a caring role. If you are registered with a GP surgery in Hertfordshire speak to the Carer’s Champion at your surgery and ask them about the support, they can offer you. If the person you care for is registered with a different GP surgery let their GP know you are their carer. 
    • If you or the person you care for are an in-patient in hospital let the staff on the ward know about your caring role. Hospitals in Hertfordshire have got carers leads who are there to support whilst the person you care for or yourself are in hospital 
    • If you are working you may want to inform your employer that you have a caring role (see the section ‘Should I tell my employer I am a carer?’) 
    • The local authority where the person you support lives can provide you with an assessment of your own needs as a carer, if you wish to have one. In Hertfordshire you can request a carers assessment from Hertfordshire County Council (or Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust on 0800 6444 101, if the person you care for requires support because of their mental ill health.) To find out more about carers assessments take a look at the section called ‘What is a Carer’s Assessment?’ 
    • Friends and family can be a great source of practical and emotional support. 
    • The education setting the child or young person is attending to ensure effective communication and support is in place. 
    • Any service the person you support is accessing. As a carer you will have a unique insight into the needs of the person you care for. It will not always be possible for those services to share information with you about all the support they are providing the person you care for as they will need their consent to do so. 

    If you are not yet registered with Carers in Hertfordshire, you can do so on our Register or Refer page.

    Alternatively, you can contact our Carers Support Advisors on 01992 58 69 69 and register over the phone. 

  • How do I get a break from caring?

    As a carer it is important that you make time for yourself. Taking a break from caring, sometimes called respite, can mean different things for different people, you will need to think about the type of break that is right for you and the person you care for. It could mean a couple of hours a day or a week, a few days here and there or a couple of weeks to enable you to go away. There are a range of options that will depend on your personal circumstances.  

    • Parent carers can access a break from caring through the Local Offer – find out more: The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer 
    • Helping you care is a dedicated Carers Support and Breaks Service. It is short term support (6-8 weeks maximum) designed to assist unpaid carers in Hertfordshire caring for adults aged 18 and over, including older adults (65+), and individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions.  
    • In Stevenage and North Herts, the service is delivered by Crossroads Caring for Life. You can request support on their website or by calling 01462 455578. 
    • In the rest of the county the service is delivered by Care by Us and support can be requested here: 0333 700 8080 or enquiries@carebyus.com 
    • Alternatively, an adviser from Carers in Hertfordshire can make a referral on your behalf. 
    • A carer’s assessment can give eligible carers access to regular on-going funded breaks. To find out more, take a look at the section ‘what is a carer’s assessment’. For under 18s, speak to our Young Carers Team 
    • You may choose to arrange replacement care yourself, by directly employing a home care agency or arranging sort term residential care. You can find a list of the care providers in Hertfordshire including their CQC rating on the Care Choices website: Care in Hertfordshire  
    • You could also arrange a holiday for the person you are looking after or for both of you together.  Depending on your financial situation you may be able to access grants to help with the cost of the break. Take a look at our Holiday tips for carers  

    Talk to one of our advisors on 01992 58 69 69 or contact@carersinherts.org.uk to find out more about these options. 

    Don’t forget to also talk to friends and family, who can be a great source of support when you need to take a break from caring. 

  • What is a Carer's Assessment?

    For Young Carers’ support, take a look at our Young Carers service page.

    If you are over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment under the Care Act 2014. A Carer’s Assessment is a conversation with the local authority where the person you care for lives, to let them know how your caring responsibilities affect you physically and emotionally. This assessment is used to find out what support you need and whether you are able or willing to carry on caring. The assessment also covers what you want to achieve in your day-to-day life (such as staying in work or socialising) and whether you qualify for help. 

    If the person you care for lives in Hertfordshire, your Carer’s Assessment will likely be completed by Hertfordshire County Council. The exception is if you care for someone with a mental health issue, in which case your Carer’s Assessment will be completed by Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust. If the person you care for does not live in Hertfordshire, you will need to approach the local authority where they live. If you are unsure how to do this, please call us on 01992 58 69 69 or contact@carersinherts.org.uk 

    • In Hertfordshire, parents of a child under 18 with SEND may be eligible for a Carer’s Assessment. Parent carers can request an assessment of their needs from Hertfordshire County Council 0-25 Together Service on the Council’s website: Get a Carer’s Assessment 
    • If you care for an adult, you can request your own assessment directly from Adult Care Services on the Council’s website: Request for a Carers Assessment or ring 0300 123 4042.  
    • Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust will complete carers assessments for carers who support an adult with a mental health issue. To get in touch with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, call 0800 6444 101. 

    If you prefer, you can ask one of our Carer Support Advisors to refer you for a Carer’s Assessment. 

    Should I ask for a carer’s assessment?

    Under the Care Act 2014, all carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment. However, not all carers will be eligible for additional support following an assessment. Eligibility for additional support is defined as follows: 

    • Needs arising from caring: The carer’s needs must arise from the necessity of providing care to another person.  
    • Impact on wellbeing: The caring role must have, or be likely to have, a significant impact on the carer’s wellbeing. This includes impacts on their physical or mental health.  
    • Inability to achieve outcomes: the carer must be unable to achieve one or more of the outcomes listed in the Care Act due to their caring responsibilities. Outcomes include: Caring for children; Providing care to others; Maintaining a habitable home environment; Managing nutrition; Developing and maintaining personal relationships; Engaging in work training, education, or volunteering; Making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community; Engaging in recreational activities.  

    If you would like to discuss whether a Carer’s Assessment would be helpful in your situation or how to prepare for one, call us on 01992 58 69 69 or email contact@carersinherts.org.uk.

    • What will happen at the assessment? 

    You can request to have your assessment in person, over the phone, at home, or away from your home. The person you care for does not need to be present. 

    During the assessment you will be asked how caring affects your life. The assessor should talk to you about the impact of the caring role on your physical, mental and physical wellbeing. They following areas should be addressed:  

    • your role as a carer  
    • how you feel about caring  
    • whether you’re able or willing to carry on as a carer  
    • your health  
    • your work  
    • other caring responsibilities  
    • what you enjoy doing in your free time  
    • planning for emergencies. You should be offered to organise a ‘in case of emergency plan’ 

    It is important that you are honest and open about the impact the caring role has on you, to ensure you do not miss out on support. Remember, this conversation is not an assessment of your ability as a carer. 

    What support could I get?

    There could be a range of support offered to you, including:

    • Information and Advice about your caring role
    • practical support with housework
    • breaks from caring
    • support to improve your wellbeing

    There will be no charge for the support offered to you as a carer when identified as part of a carers assessment by Hertfordshire County Council or Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust.

    After your assessment, you should get a report in writing for you to sign. You do not need to sign until you are happy that it is a true reflection of your conversation and what was agreed during the assessment. 

    If your caring role changes, you can ask for a review of your carer’s assessment. 

    Can I have a Carer’s Assessment if the person I care for does not currently get help from the local authority or Mental Health services?

    Yes. Your right to a Carer’s Assessment is not dependent on the person you support accessing services. You do not need the permission of the person you support to ask for a carer’s assessment. 

  • What financial help is available for carers?

    Depending on your income, assets and living arrangements, you might be able to access a number of financial supports including: 

    • Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to someone who is ill or has a disability. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit and forms part of your taxable income. 

    You can usually get Carer’s Allowance if all of the following apply: 

    • you’re aged 16 or over 
    • you’re not in full time education 
    • you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for a disabled person 
    • you don’t earn more than £196 a week from employment or self-employment – after deductions such as income tax, National Insurance and half of your pension contributions 

    The person you are caring for must get one ‘qualifying benefits’ 

    If you are claiming Carer’s Allowance you may also be able to claim a Carer Premium/Addition or Carer Element 

    Your claim for Carers Allowance, may affect the benefits entitlement of the person you care for. 

    Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week 

    The person you care for may themselves be entitled to some financial support such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independent Payment, discount on council tax, discount on or free TV licence, help with paying for NHS prescriptions through the NHS low-income scheme… 

    Speak to one of our advisors about how to claim Carer’s Allowance and other financial support. Please note that applications to welfare benefits can be very complex and we advise you get support with this process. We can put you in touch with a benefit specialist who can help you with your application.  

    You can complete a benefits check online to see what additional help you may be entitled to claim. Turn2Us have a useful tool Turn2us Benefits Calculator 

    Some carers who are facing financial difficulties may be eligible for a grant. These grants usually have strict eligibility criteria.  

    • Turn2Us has a list of grants available Turn2us Grants Search 
    • The Hertfordshire welfare assistance is a support scheme to help Hertfordshire residents facing an immediate financial crisis. 
    • HertsHelp is an organisation supporting citizens of Hertfordshire who are struggling financially. It provides advice and access to funding
  • What is an 'In Case of Emergency Plan'?

    An emergency plan contains important information about the person you care for. It explains what needs to happen in an emergency if something happens to you. For example, if you are unwell or have an accident and cannot care for the person. Having this plan in place makes it easier and quicker for someone else to support them when you can’t. 

    If you care for an adult who lives in Hertfordshire, you can request an ‘In Case of Emergency’ plan from Hertfordshire County Council on their website: Carers In case of emergency plan. If the person you care for has a mental health issue, the plan will be organised by Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust. You can contact them on 0800 6444 101. 

    If you have a formal ‘In Case of Emergency Plan’ you should inform your GP surgery for them to log this information on your record. 

    You may prefer to organise a less formal plan. Carers in Hertfordshire has developed a template to help you record your plan.

    Young Carers can write their informal plan in the Emergency Contact Booklet developed by Carers in Hertfordshire.

  • What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

    A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows one person (the donor) to appoint another person (the attorney) to act on their behalf. 

    There are two types of LPA: 

    • health and welfare. It can only be used when the donor is unable to make their own decisions 
    • property and financial affairs. It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with the donor’s permission. 

    The Donor must be 18 or over and have mental capacity (the ability to make their own decisions) when they make the LPA. They do need to live in the UK or be a British citizen to make an LPA. 

    If the donor no longer has capacity to make their own decisions, a different process will need to be followed, and a deputyship will need to be organised.  

    Carers in Hertfordshire runs regular information sessions on both LPA and Deputyship. Check out our latest events for more information. 

    To make a lasting power of attorney the donor needs to: 

    Applying to register an LPA costs £82 unless the donor is eligible for a reduction or exemption. 

    You do not need to use a solicitor to make an LPA, you can do this yourself. Some Hertfordshire based organisations may be able to help.  

  • What are my rights at work?

    It is your choice whether you tell your employer you have a caring role. However, you may need to tell your employer in order to access any support that they provide.  

    Carers are protected from discrimination. 

    There are two types of rights at work that apply to you as a carer: 

    • Statutory rights – these apply to everyone. 
    • Contractual rights – these come from the contract of employment and are usually more generous than statutory rights. 

    Your statutory rights are: 

    • The right to request flexible working 
    • The right to time off in emergencies 
    • The right to parental leave 
    • Since April 2024 carers have the right request Carers Leave. There is more information on the Carers UK website: The Carer’s Leave Act 2023

    If you are unsure what your contractual rights are, talk to the HR department at your place of work or your manager. 

    Acas may be a good source of information. They give employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice 

    Talk to one of our advisors if you are unsure how to start the conversation about your caring role with your employer. You can contact our advisor team on 01992 58 69 69 or contact@carersinherts.org.uk  

  • Where do I find information about the condition of the person I care for?

    In the first instance you may want to seek information and advice from the health or social care professionals involved in supporting the person you care for.   

    There is a lot of information available online, when using these resources make sure the information is from a reputable source. The NHS website is a good resource Conditions A to Z: common topics – NHS 

    You can find out about how we help carers based on the need of the person they support in our Support by Need area.

    There are a number of local and national organisations providing information and specialist advice about specific conditions. The list below is not exhaustive: 

    Addiction 

    Autism 

    Brain injury 

    Cancer 

    Dementia 

    End of life 

    Mental Health 

    Neurological conditions 

    Parkinson’s 

    Sensory needs 

    Stroke 

  • Where do I find activity and support for the person I support?

    There are many services available that are tailored to age groups, conditions, and interests. Some services may incur a fee. The Hertfordshire Directory lists a number of activities and groups. 

    The list below focuses on services operating in Hertfordshire. The list is not exhaustive. 

    Addiction 

    Autism  

    Brain Injury 

    Dementia:  

    Learning Disability:  

    Mental Health support 

    Older people:  

    Physical disability:  

    SEND:  

    Sensory services:  

  • How do I look after myself while caring?

    Caring can be rewarding but it is important to recognize that it can also take its toll on your own health and wellbeing as a carer. Making time for yourself, and accessing help can make all the difference. Take a look at the section on ‘how to have a break from caring’ or check out our latest events. 

    There are also a number of services that can help: 

  • Where can I find support with managing difficult relationships in my caring role?

    Balancing the needs of the person you are caring for with your own wellbeing can be demanding, and it’s not uncommon for relationships—with the person you are supporting, as well as with other friends and family—to become strained at times. These feelings are entirely normal, and acknowledging the emotional impact of caring is an important step in looking after yourself too. 

    If you are concerned about how caring may be affecting your relationships, there are a number of services provided by Carers in Hertfordshire that can support you.  

    • In the first instance you may want to discuss the situation with one of our Carer Support Advisors, you can contact them on 01992 58 69 69 or contact@carersinherts.org.uk  
    • Carers in Hertfordshire offers a mentoring service. Mentoring can help build self-esteem and confidence. It can also help you set boundaries. Read our Mentoring Factsheet for more information.
    • Check out our latest events. Our events and learning opportunities, in person and online, cover a wide range of topics including developing resilience, setting boundaries and communicating effectively. 

    Other services that may be useful:  

  • What help is there with paying for care?

    In England, social care (such as help at home, day services, or care in a residential setting) is not free. Whether someone, who has care and support needs, receives help from the local council to pay for care depends on two key assessments: 

    • A Care Needs assessment, to determine what kind of support a person requires. 
    • A financial assessment (means test), to decide who should pay for the care and how much.  

    Who Pays for care? 

    • Most people with care and support needs contribute something towards their care, even if they qualify for local authority support 
    • If the person has savings and assets over £23,250, they are usually expected to pay the full cost of their care (this is called self-funding). 
    • If they have less than £23,250, the local council may contribute, depending on their income, savings, and needs. 
    • Friend and family carers are not responsible for paying for social care for the person they support. A financial assessment is an individual assessment of the person with care needs. The financial assessment is based on the individual’s income and assets, not the couple’s combined finances. 

    When does the person with care needs not pay for care? 

    • If the person’s needs are primarily health-related (e.g. due to a serious illness or complex condition), the NHS may pay for all their care — this is called NHS continuing healthcare or CHC funding 

    How much does the support for family/friend carers cost? 

    If the person you care for lives in Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council or Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (if the person you care for has a mental health issue) can offer you an assessment of your needs as a carer. This is to assess whether you have needs that are eligible under the Care Act.  The assessment asks three main questions: 

    1. Are your needs a direct result of providing necessary care? 
    2. Is your caring role having a negative impact on your health or daily life? 
    3. Is this impact on your wellbeing significant? 

    If the answer is “yes” to all three, you’ll usually be considered eligible for support. 

    In Hertfordshire, the support you receive, as a carer, to meet eligible needs is free. 

    The support can be offered directly to you or indirectly, which means the support is given to the person with care need, so you can have a break. Take a look at the section on ‘How do I get a break from caring?’ for more information about carers breaks funded by the local authority.  

    There will be some situations when the service received by the carer is considered to  be a service for the person with care needs and a charge will be incurred i.e. accessing a day centre,  respite care in a care setting, personal care 

    Helpful guides and resources