help for carers
Caring for and about someone with mental illness can be very demanding on you in many ways – emotionally, physically and even financially. Learning how to support yourself when caring for someone will not only help them but also help your family members, friends and yourself.
A carer is someone of any age who must change their lifestyle to care for a family member, partner, friend or neighbour needing long-term support. ‘Caring’ can be emotional support, such as helping someone seek support for their mental health problem, or physical support could include helping with day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning or personal care.
They do not necessarily have to live with the person they support and they are typically unpaid. Carers can be any age, from young children to elderly people. In fact, there are approximately 800,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, including around 30,000 young carers under the age of 18.
The latest Carers Census reported that 86% of adult carers and 91% of young carers experienced an impact on their emotional wellbeing as a result of their caring role. The most common form of support provided to carers is advice and information (72%). Below explores information that can support you in your caring role.
myths about being a carer
caring is a personal responsibility, so I shouldn’t ask for help
Carers provide invaluable support, but it’s essential to reach out when you need it. Numerous services exist to support carers, and seeking help ensures you can continue caring effectively.
only family members can be carers
Carers can be anyone: friends, neighbours or partners who support someone with a mental health problem or physical needs.
carers don’t experience financial impacts because of their ‘benefits’
Many carers face financial strain due to reduced working hours or covering care-related expenses. This is why there are financial supports and benefits designed specifically for carers, such as the Carer Support Payment.
How do I communicate with the person I’m caring for?
An essential part of supporting the person is maintaining effective communication with the person you’re caring for. Sometimes communication can be difficult when people are unsure what to say or because the relationship has broken down, which can be distressing for carers. Here are some suggestions for effective communication as a carer:
- Who needs to know?: Think about who needs to know, what they need to know and what the cared-for person wants people to know. Your cared-for person always has a right to confidentiality and so do you.
- Accuracy: When sharing information with people, it is important to provide them and yourself with accurate and up-to-date information about the illness, reassurance about the effectiveness of the support being received and guidance in ways of being supportive as a collective.
- Sensitivity: Consider the wishes and sensitivities of the person who is experiencing the illness. All discussions around the condition should be honest but sensitive.
- Understanding: Listen to understand rather than respond, paraphrase and reflect on what has been said. Withhold judgement and unsolicited advice and ask open-ended questions to engage. This will keep the conversation positive and make the person feel heard and valued.
Your mental health as a carer
It is vital that we look after ourselves and our mental health so that we may continue to care for others. Finding things that help you relax is important and taking time out for yourself is essential to protect your mental health.
Studies have shown that carers often experience poorer physical and mental health because of their caring role and often ignore their physical health, which can lead to further health issues.
Some activities you can do to ensure your wellbeing include:
- Take some ‘me’ time: Focus your energy on a hobby or activity that brings you joy. Things like reading a book, watching your favourite film or listening to music can boost your mood.
- Connect with others: Take time out of your day to chat with friends or family and be as open with them as possible.
- Nourish your body: Allow your body to feel good by eating a healthy meal, wearing comfortable clothes or exercising, which can make the brain feel good.
- Write your feelings down: Putting pen to paper can be a stress reliever and help you rationalise and accept your experiences.
What support can I get as a carer?
You may feel that it is more important for the person in your care to receive care and support and that you do not need support for yourself. However, research has shown that carers may feel isolated or have poor mental and physical health themselves. It is important that you seek support for yourself. Here are some types of support available for carers:
Talking therapies
Talking with a trained professional about your worries and how you’re feeling can enable you to explore how looking after someone affects you.
Peer support groups:
There is good evidence that discussion with those who have had similar experiences can help people to develop effective coping strategies. Read our resource on the importance of peer support.
Change Mental Health
We offer Carer Support in Highland, Tayside, Fife, Edinburgh and Dumfries and Galloway. Our Carer Support Workers have expertise and a detailed understanding of the issues that affect carers and people with mental illness through one-to-one emotional support or peer support groups.
“The best thing about Change Mental Health and Carers’ Support is the endless possibilities of support, the connections, the links they can provide you with. This place has been a godsend, it really has. As a carer, you feel alone – you really do. But with Change Mental Health, I don’t feel as alone as I did before.”
Lorna shares her experience with the Carer Support in Tayside. You can read more about her experience here.
What are my rights as a working carer?
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 guarantees specific rights to carers, including access to support services. Understanding these rights can help ensure that your needs as a carer are met. Among their many rights under the act, carers are entitled to:
- Carer’s Assessments: Assessments to evaluate your support needs.
- Local Authority Support: Local authorities are required to provide resources and services based on your assessment.
- Short Breaks from Caring: Respite care options can help you take necessary breaks from your responsibilities. You can find out more information about short breaks through Shared Care Scotland.
How do I support working carers?
Being an employee and a carer can be incredibly difficult. On top of the financial strain, balancing office work and taking care of someone can affect your mental health. Your workplace must offer you the support that you need, especially if you are a carer.
If you’re a working carer, you should communicate openly with your employer about your responsibilities and explore available support mechanisms, such as flexible work arrangements or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). It is important to know that you are also protected under the Equality Act of 2010 if you are taking care of someone who is elderly or disabled.
If you are an employer, becoming a Carer Positive Employer is a great first step to support working carers. Being a Carer Positive Employer recognises that there are policies in place to support working carers. Creating a culture of understanding and empathy in the workplace can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for employees who are also carers.
Do I get any financial support as a carer?
Unfortunately, carers are not typically paid a salary for the care they provide. However, there are financial supports available to help ease some of the burdens associated with caring.
- Carer’s Allowance: This payment is available for eligible carers to help cover expenses related to caring duties.
- Young Carer Grant: Specifically for carers under 18, this grant provides financial assistance to young carers balancing school or other responsibilities with caregiving.
For more information, the Mental Health and Money Advice website can help you with any financial worries impacting your mental health.
literature
carers information booklet
In 1999, we launched the Carers Information Pack, packed with factsheets for carers. We’ve made the information more digestible with a 16-page booklet for carers, featuring information from carers’ rights to where and how to get support.
Reach out to communications@changemh.org if you want us to send you hard copies of this booklet.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
Other support
- Carers Trust offers information about local carer and young carer services.
- Carers Scotland offers information, advice and support for the wellbeing of carers.
- Relationships Scotland offers counselling and support services for carers, families, couples and young people.
- Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance offers individual and collective independent advocacy to people and groups across Scotland.
- You can find a range of local carers centres across Scotland on the Care Information Scotland website.
