Caring for someone who has cancer

When someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to be unsure about how best to support them. Often, just being present can be a helpful action and can make a meaningful difference to their experiences. Please remember not everyone will want to always talk about their condition, sometimes the distraction of a lighthearted conversation can be a welcome break for them. Your support is more powerful when it is guided by the preferences of your loved one. Please remember everyone’s experience of cancer is unique.

Are you a carer?

An unpaid carer is someone who provides regular support care or assistance to someone who could not manage without help due to illness, disability or frailty. Many people do not see themselves as carers because they are simply looking after someone they care about.

Useful things unpaid carers should know

Register as a carer. Let your GP know that you are an unpaid carer. Many GP practices offer flexibility with appointment times and can offer additional support.

You can ask for a carers assessment. This looks at how caring affects your life and what support might help you. This can include practical help, respite care, training equipment and support.

Plan for emergencies, have an emergency plan in place in case you become ill or unexpectedly unable to provide care.

Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else.

Financial support for carers

The financial support that carers might be eligible for is Carer’s Allowance. There are different criteria and eligibility for this support. In addition to Carer’s Allowance, you may also be eligible to receive further financial support, including Universal Credit, a council tax reduction and Pension Credit (if you have reached State Pension age).

For more information on Carer’s Allowance and other benefits, including a full list of eligibility criteria and how to make a claim, please click the following link to the GOV.UK website

You are not alone

Carer’s organisations, support groups and online communities can provide advice, information and emotional support from people that understand your situation.

Carers UK

Support carers with respite, activities and more:

Wandsworth carers centre website

020 8877 1200

info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk

Merton and Croydon Carers First website

0300 303 1555

hello@carersfirst.org.uk

Sutton Carers Centre website

020 8296 5611

enquiries@suttoncarerscentre.org

Resources