Search Menu Please donate You are here: Home Information and advice Care & support Help for carers looking after a loved one Looking after yourself as a carer Looking after yourself as a carer Over time, caring can really take its toll. It’s vital that you take time to look after yourself as well as the person you care for – not just so you can carry on caring, but so you have the energy to still do the things you enjoy. Speak to your GP If you’re finding caring tiring or difficult, it might help to tell your GP you’re a carer and discuss the impact this is having on your health. They'll be able to offer you advice and support. You may also be entitled to additional health services – such as a free annual flu jab – if the person you care for has a serious or ongoing health problem. Stay well Although it can be difficult, try to make sure that you eat healthily, stay active and get enough sleep. Ask for help Don’t feel like you need to do everything yourself. If you have relatives who live nearby, try to be honest with them if you need help or want to share the responsibility. As a carer, you're entitled to a carer's assessment from your local council, too – this can help you identify support for you in your caring role. Arrange respite care Respite care provides support for your loved one whilst giving you a much-needed break from caring. Find out more about respite care We have more information on respite care and how you can arrange it here. Find time for yourself Doing something enjoyable or relaxing can be very helpful when you have caring responsibility. If you're able to, make time for something like an exercise group or an evening class. Taking part in an activity you enjoy will give you the opportunity to do something for yourself – it’s important that you have your own interests and make time to pursue them where you can. Your local library can provide information about social activities, events, education and courses. But even if you don’t have the time for an activity or class, simply taking ten minutes whenever you can to have a cup of tea or get some fresh air can really help. We're here to help We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 140 local Age UKs. About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK Other organisations that can help If you need some more support with being a carer, there is help available. Carers Trust offers practical help and assistance to carers Carers UK provides information and support for carers, including information about benefits Please help us be there for older people in need By donating today, you could help us answer more calls to our advice line, campaign harder for older people’s rights and fair treatment and provide regular friendship calls to people who are desperately lonely. Donate now Share this page Share on Facebook Tweet Print Last updated: Oct 27 2021 Become part of our story Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Sign up today Email address About Age UK What we do Work for us Age International Media / Press Latest news Who we are Services Age UK Advice Line Befriending services Charity shops In your area Popular pages Benefits Calculator TV licence concessions Pension Credit Making a will Latest The difference your support makes Fix care for good Save free TV for older people Support links Linking policy Terms and conditions Privacy policy Publications Cookies Safeguarding About us Sitemap Contact us Modern slavery statement Age UK, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Registered charity number 1128267. Company number 6825798. © Age UK Group and/or its National Partners (Age NI, Age Scotland and Age Cymru) 2021. All Rights Reserved