Help for carers

Find out if you're a carer, or planning to be a carer, and what support is available to you.

What is a carer?

A carer is anyone who helps and supports somebody who due to an illness, disability or mental health reasons, cannot manage without their support.

The person you care for, or plan to care for could be a:

  • husband, wife or partner
  • family member such as a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter
  • friend or neighbour

This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally or through a voluntary organisation.

Woman caring for older person

What carers do

The support you provide could be:

  • washing and dressing
  • shopping and food preparation
  • helping with laundry or housework
  • taking someone to regular appointments
  • keeping someone company
  • helping someone take medication
  • provide emotional, mental and/or physical support

Many people are carers without knowing it.

Once you recognise that you are a carer, you can get the support and information you need. This could include practical, emotional or financial support.

The video below defines what a carer is, and briefly discusses carer assessment including what it involves.

Finding help and support in Suffolk

Adult Social Care works with the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to provide support for carers from Suffolk Family Carers and Alzheimer's Society. Both are valuable sources of information, advice and support for family carers on a whole range of issues.

You can use our website to find more information about:

Further national information, advice and guidance

Contact us

If you cannot find what you need you can contact Adult Social Care quickly and securely using live chat.

You can also find options to help yourself online, and phone us if needed.

Contact Adult Social Care

Get help in a crisis

If you have a social care emergency and need urgent assistance, please call Customer First on 0800 917 1109.

Outside of normal working hours this number will divert to the Emergency Duty Service. They can deal with anything that can't wait until the next working day.