This document discusses the challenges of caring for an elderly relative and provides information on support available to caregivers. As people age, many will require assistance from family or others. Caring for an elderly relative can be emotionally and financially difficult for caregivers, who may experience stress, anxiety and feelings of guilt. There are various forms of financial support available such as Carer's Allowance and benefits for elderly relatives needing care. Caregivers are also entitled to an assessment of their own needs and support requirements. Local social services can provide care assessments for elderly relatives as well as home adaptations. Additional support resources include respite care, mobility assistance programs, and charitable organizations providing emotional support and services for caregivers.

1. 9th February 2015
Caring for a relative can have emotional, financial and practical
implications – but you’re not alone. It’s ok to ask for help….
It is estimated that nearly
40% of England’s population
will be over 50 by 2029.
Thankfully, the majority of
these individuals will be
active and able to live
independently. However, as
people age, they will
inevitably grow more
dependent on relatives and
outside assistance.
This can happen slowly due
to degenerative illness, or
may happen suddenly due to
an accident. Whatever the
reason, it can be very difficult
for a family carer to cope. If
you have found yourself
caring for an elderly relative
then it can seem quite
overwhelming. You may
experience feelings of guilt,
stress, anxiety and
frustration.
When an elderly person
requires care, it can cause
disagreements between
family members. Added to
this is the emotional and
financial strain of caring for
somebody on a regular basis.
Whatever particular issues
you are dealing with, it’s
important to remember that
there is support available.
Carer’s Assessment
As a carer, you are entitled to
an assessment of your
needs. This ‘carer’s
assessment’ identifies the
level of support you require to
care for you relative properly.
This is not an evaluation of
you, or how capable you are,
but an assessment of how
much support you are entitled
to.
Has your relative had a Section 47 Care Assessment?
The Section 47 community care assessment will evaluate your elderly
relative’s needs. This is carried out by your local social services department,
and includes provisions for care and home adaptions. This is separate to the
carer’s assessment – it’s important that you request both to ensure you get
the maximum help you are entitled to.
If you’re caring for a
grandparent, parent,
other relative, or
friend of the family,
then read our guide
to coping and getting
the help and benefits
you deserve.
How to Cope when Caring for
an Elderly Relative

2. Financial Support
- Carer’s Allowance
In order to claim this
benefit you must be
providing care for at least
35 hours per week. The
person you are caring for
must be receiving
attendance allowance or
disability living
allowance.
- Attendance Allowance
Attendance allowance is
a benefit for the person
you are looking after.
They must be aged over
65 years and have an
illness or disability.
- Disability Living
Allowance
If the person you’re
looking after has a
disability or illness, then
they may be entitled to
Disability Living
Allowance.
- Low income support
If you are caring for a
relative and have a low
income, then you may be
eligible for low income
support.
In addition to the allowances
listed on the right, you may
also be able to acquire loans
or grants.
A budgeting loan is available
to individuals on a low
income, to help pay for
clothes, furniture, travel
costs etc. This is a loan,
which means that it will need
to be repaid.
If you live in Northern Ireland
then you may be eligible for
a community care grant. This
is there to help your elderly
relative live independently in
the community, or if you (the
carer) are struggling under
immense pressure. You will
not have to pay this back.
Other allowances that may
be available to you, or your
elderly relative, include:
- Blind Person’s
allowance
- Employment &
Support allowance
- Independent Living
Fund
- Personal
Independence
Payment
- Disabled Facilities
grants
As you can see, there are
quite a number of benefits
and grants available to
carers and those receiving
care from relatives. To find
out more about these
allowances, and whether you
will be eligible, visit
www.gov.uk.

3. 3
The Mobility Scheme
The Mobility Scheme
enables people with
disabilities to lease a new
car or mobility scooter, using
government allowances.
If the individual is unable to
drive, they can still apply for
a car in which they will be
the passenger.
To find out about the Mobility
Scheme click here.
The Carers Trust
The Carers Trust is a charity
that provides support for
unpaid carers. If you are
struggling emotionally, then
the dedicated helpline, and
the online community of
carers, can offer support.
The charity also offers
respite – giving you a well-
deserved break or holiday.
Find out more here.
Getting the support you need
will help to:
- Ease your strain on a
day-to-day basis
- Give you respite from
caring for your relative,
and enjoy some time off
- Help your relative enjoy
greater independence
with mobility aids, travel
assistance, and home
adaptions, such as
stairlifts
- Make you feel valued as
a carer
- Give you the financial
assistance you need to
care for your relative
- Improve the quality of life
for yourself and for your
relative
This guide was compiled by Associated Stairlifts.
Associated Stairlifts offer new, reconditioned, straight
and curved stairlifts, along with a stairlift rental
service.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/
NHS