This helpful advice booklet will be useful for all carers, but is particularly targeted at those who are about 65 years older and are new to caring.

It includes information on getting help, getting an assessment, looking after your own health, taking a break and how you can use technology to support you, with links to further information and support.

A practical guide to healthy caring

Author: NHS England, Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Public Health England and older people themselves

The Carers UK Looking after someone guide is divided into the following sections: getting help and support, your finances and your work.The guide includes:

• A carer’s guide: an illustrated introduction to the challenges of caring, from making difficult decisions to looking after your health and wellbeing.
• Benefits: an overview of which benefits you or the person you care for may be entitled to and information about how to get a benefits check.
• Other financial help: including help with council tax, fuel costs, pensions and health costs.
• Practical help: including community care assessment, arranging a carer’s assessment and direct payments.
• Technology: information about health and care technology that could make life easier for you and those you care for.
• Your workplace: your rights at work, from flexible working and parental leave to protection from discrimination.
• Other help: how to find other help nationally and in your local community.

See the Carers UK website for other helpful publications.

There is a series of pages on the Carers Trust website which provides tailored advice and information on caring for people with specific conditions.

Conditions covered include: dementia or Alzheimer’s disease; learning disabilities; alcohol or substance misuse issues; and mental health problems.