Information for carers


Many family members and friends of someone with MS may find that they are taking on some aspect of care. 

The Carer's Trust defines a carer as "anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who ... cannot cope without their support".  This may include:

  • personal care - such as helping someone get washed and dressed in the morning or helping them with their medication
  • help with day to day tasks - such as cooking, laundry or making sure bills are paid
  • helping someone get around - driving people or helping someone with poor mobility

Being a carer can take up a significant amount of time as well as being physically and mentally demanding. You may not know anyone else who plays a similar supporting role and may not think of yourself as a carer. It can be important to get the right support for yourself as well as assisting the person you care for to access all the support they need.

Carer's assessment

If you are caring for someone you can ask your local adult care services to assess your needs.  If you meet the criteria, social services may be able to help with equipment that makes caring easier, temporary carers to cover whilst you have a short break, and contact with local support groups.

More on a carer's assessment on the NHS website

Carer's allowance

If you are over 16, spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone and earn no more than £110 a week, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance

More on Carer’s Allowance on the GOV.UK website

Carer charities

There are national and local support groups for people who are in a caring role. They provide information and support for people in a whole range of caring situations. Contact with them can help you in your own individual situation.

Carers Trust

The Carers Trust provides information, support and practical help to carers through more than 100 independently-managed Carers Centres. This charity was formed in April 2012 from the merger of Crossroads Care and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Carers UK

Carers UK provides information and advice about caring and practical and emotional support for carers. They also campaign to make life better for carers.

Charities that support young carers

Young people who are caring for a family member with a disability or health condition can face particular impact on their lives, education and mental health. A number of childrens' charities focus on young carers and can offer respite, support and activities for children who take on caring duties in their families.

Other sources of information

NICE: Supporting adult carers

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a new guideline to support adult carers. The guideline aims to improve the lives of carers by helping health and social care practitioners identify people who are caring for someone and give them the right information and support. It covers carer's assessments, practical, emotional and social support and training.

More on the NICE guideline on supporting adult carers 

Support and benefits for carers

A section within the NHS website with information on well-being for carers, claiming benefits, advice for young carers and contact details of local authorities.

More on support and benefits for carers on the NHS website

Carers' health and wellbeing  

Information on a variety of topics provided by Care Information Scotland.

More on carers' health and wellbeing on the Care Information Scotland website

MoneyHelper

The free and impartial advice service on managing your money and other financial issues includes information on support for carers.

More on long-term care on the MoneyHelper website

Carers Week

An annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, to recognise the contribution made by carers and to highlight challenges that carers can face.

More on Carers Week

Courses for carers

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