This page covers: What is a carer? Financial help for carers, Support groups and practical help for carers, Ways to find out about help for carers. Many of the people we spoke to were carers. ‘Carer’ is the word used to describe a person who is looking after a relative or friend who couldn’t manage […]

Beverley’s 87-year-old father is planning for care. Beverley’s father-in-law, who lived locally to her, was cared for by Beverley, her partner and his two siblings. They all shared decisions and responsibility for looking after him. He remained in his own home and his cleaner gradually took on the role of carer.

Bella’s mother self-funded care from age 86. Bella’s mother had always been financially astute and invested for independence in her later years. Beginning with a cleaner, and gradually arranging more care and support at home, her mother decided to try residential care when Bella went on holiday.

Kate’s mother self-funded care from age 90. Kate’s mother needed help and support after her husband died. Kate cared for her mother as her frailty increased over the years and her mother now employs a carer to stay overnight, which gives peace of mind to both Kate and her mother.

Marie’s mother self-funded care from age 73. Marie helps her father to arrange daily care for her mother who is living with dementia. Her parents were reluctant at first to accept help but now pay for carers from an agency. Marie feels the carers are excellent and understand her mother’s needs.

Hannah’s mother self-funded care from age 75. After Hannah’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, care began with family members staying over and later a care agency was used. Eventually it was decided Hannah’s mother needed residential care. When Hannah relocated, her mother moved to a care home nearby.

Jane’s mother self-funded care from age 85. Jane consulted a financial adviser about ways to pay for care for her mother. She was very pleased with how the adviser explained the options and she decided to purchase an immediate needs annuity to pay towards care costs and protect her mother’s remaining capital.

Lynne’s parents self-funded their care. Lynne’s parents, a retired carpenter and hairdresser, had substantial life savings so Lynne knew that when it came to care they would have to self-fund. She arranged annuities to pay towards the fees when her parents moved into residential care.