Resources for Carers
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There are more than 6 million people in Britain currently caring for a partner, friend or relative who is unable to manage alone, due to illness or disability.

These informal carers are estimated to save £119 billion a year that would otherwise be a cost to the NHS and Social Services in providing the support that they give without charge.

Some carers have to give up working, and many find that they are struggling with poverty and social isolation, as well as their caring responsibilities. Some 20% have such financial problems that they even cut down on food. Yet at the same time, £660 million of carer benefits are unclaimed each year...

Some providers of support services for carers. Click on a highlighted name, to read details:

Invicta Telecare telephone/lifeline alarm
Easylink UK care alerts
Inclusion - OT consultancy provide independent advice for carers
LifeMax wander alarms
PivoTell automatic pill dispensers, telecare medication management and lifestyle alerts

Very few of us are really prepared when we suddenly find ourselves responsible for the needs of another person, so this is a quick round-up of support available:

Independent Living's guide to financial benefits

Independent Living's guide to equipment hire

Independent Living's guide to fall prevention

Independent Living's guide to telecare - services to monitor your friend or relative's well-being when you can't be there.

Independent Living's guide to respite care

Independent Living's guide to palliative care

Further resources for carers

The Essential Carer's Guide - a handbook by Mary Jordan. Read our review

For information on products to help make life easier and more comfortable, please visit our Independent Living Product Centre

Independent Living's editor, Frances Leckie, has written an overview of developments in the fields of assistive technology and aids to independent living, which you may find useful, particularly if you are new to caring. Click here to download the article as a pdf

Remember - if you don't find the answer to your question here, you can always email us, and we'll do our best to help.

© Frances Leckie Associates 1999 - 2012

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