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Carers' checklist

Introduction

Whether you’ve just started looking after someone or have been supporting them for a while, this checklist will help you get the support and information you need. 

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Your wellbeing

Get a carer’s assessment 

Every carer has the right to a carer’s assessment. This looks at the impact your caring role has on your life, as well as:

  • your goals
  • what you are doing well
  • how caring for someone affects your life and health
  • how to get the support you need

 We can help you to:

  • have time off from caring
  • use technology to make things easier
  • think about your needs, so that you can keep safe and well
  • get support for the person you care for

See: Carer's assessment

Register with your GP as a carer

Tell your GP that you are a carer. This can be noted on your medical records. You may get extra support, like a free flu vaccination or health check.

Talk to your GP if you have stress, anxiety, depression or back pain due to your caring role.

Register for online services to:

  • book and cancel appointments
  • order repeat prescriptions
  • look at your medical records

Contact your local carers' centre

Care for the Carers is an independent charity. It offers information, advice, support or a listening ear to carers. Caring can sometimes feel lonely, and it’s ok to admit it’s all getting a bit much.

Contact Care for the Carers

Make time

Make time for yourself and your interests as often as you can.

Take a break from caring

There are ways to arrange a break. 

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Your money and additional support and advice

Apply for Carer's Allowance 

If you spend 35 hours or more per week caring for another person you may be eligible for a weekly allowance from the government.

Find out more about Carer’s Allowance

Get support with the cost of living

For help and advice with money, benefits, and the Government's Help for Households campaign, visit: Cost of living support

Services and support for carers

Ask us or Care for the Carers about these services and support:

Carer’s personal budget: A one-off payment for things like education or leisure activities to meet your eligible needs.

East Sussex carers card:

  • identifies you as a carer in an emergency
  • allows you to set up an emergency respite plan
  • gives you savings and discounts at retail and leisure venues

Funding for replacement care if you need to attend a healthcare appointment or training course.

Free training courses for unpaid carers.

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Your work

Tell your employer about your caring responsibilities.

Think about asking for flexible working.

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For the person you care for

Assess their needs

Make sure they have a social care needs assessment from us.

Future care needs

It might be useful to think about:

  • their future care needs
  • their preferences
  • powers of attorney
  • whether their Will is up to date
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Young carers

If you are under 18 and look after someone, you may be a ‘young carer’. You could be providing emotional or practical support or personal care.

We can look at what support you need as well as the person you care for.

Contact East Sussex Young Carers

For information, advice and support:

Care for the Carers also runs activities and groups for young carers. See: Young carers | CFTC

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Caring for a child with additional needs

If you are caring for a child or young person with a disability or special educational needs:

Contact Amaze

Amaze offers lots of support to parent carers of 0 to 25 year olds in East Sussex. 

Consider joining East Sussex Parent Carer Forum (ESPCF)

ESPCF is a voice and a community for parent carers in East Sussex.

If you are a parent carer of a disabled child up to age 18:

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