Do you look after a loved one who is ill, disabled or older?

Work in horticulture but think you may also be a carer? Not everyone sees themselves as one because the person they look after is a partner, family member or friend, but if you care for a loved one who is ill, disabled or older, then you are a carer.

Caring for a loved one can be valuable and rewarding, but without the right support it can have an impact on your health, your job, your finances and your social life.

Being a carer can feel like having another job - one you want to do, but if you are working and providing unpaid care on top of your regular job, as well as other family commitments, hobbies or interests, it can leave you feeling stressed and exhausted.

Your caring role doesn't always fit into your regular work hours. It can be unpredictable and therefore hard to fit around a paid job. Carers can often feel they have no choice but to reduce their hours, change to less demanding careers or even give up work altogether.

Recent findings from Carers UK’s State of Caring 2024 survey saw that 73% of carers in employment said they found it stressful to juggle work and care, and 44% of carers in employment said they had reduced their working hours to care.

So, whilst juggling work and caring responsibilities do you feel:

• You can't get the flexibility at work that you need?
• You can't get the time off you need to support your loved one?

And when it comes to money, are you:

• Worried about how you will manage financially, especially if you are considering reducing your hours or already have done so?
• Confused by what welfare benefits you might be entitled to?
• Feeling tired, stressed, overwhelmed or isolated?

Research released by the national charity Family Fund highlighted that 44% of families experience income insufficiency, meaning they cannot meet day-to-day expenses despite receiving disability benefits.

We also understand that as a carer, raising a disabled or seriously ill child is more likely to be a financial struggle due to a round-the-clock caring needs and extra costs for food and utilities, so this will make significant difference to household budgets. 

And we know that navigating services available can be a minefield.

For example, do you find it:

• Difficult accessing services to support the person you care for and yourself?
• Difficult navigating the social care system?

Perennial can provide you with advice, support and guidance to help whichever stage of the caring path you are on.

You can find more information on our website on the following topics that may impact you as a carer:

1. Digital Resources for Carers
2. Welfare Benefits
3. Support for Families
4. Support with Grief
5. Legal Helpline
6. Health and Wellbeing
7. Career Development to fit your needs

And don’t forget, our team here offers personalised, one-to-one support designed around your unique needs. 

Simply fill in our online form or, if you prefer, you can call our Helpline on 0800 093 8543* and one of the team will be in touch.
_{*The helpline is open 9am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Open 10am – 4.30pm on Wednesday. Excludes bank holidays. All advice is free and fully confidential.}