Help for Carers > Different caring situations > Older carers

Older carers

Once over the age of retirement you may find that your experiences as a carer change.

Certain benefits may no longer be available to you, or you may find that you are becoming less able to do all the supportive things you used to.

One in five British adults have elderly parents who require care and assistance and some will require long term care. Despite this, most adult children are in denial about their parents ever needing care. Care homes are a subject that’s taboo for them and/or their parents to think about. The present system of paying for care is governed by legislation guidance and rulings and is rife with inconsistencies when determining who pays for what. Many people miss out on funding or support. For both adult children and their parents, moving into a care home can be an incredibly emotional and stressful time. The specialist adviser, NHFA Care Fees Advice (www.hsbcpensions.co.uk), unravels who pays, or who is responsible for what.

You can get more information from:

First Stop Advice - free advisory service for older people, their families and carers covering housing, care, money and rights. This service is a joint venture between Help the Aged, Elderly Accommodation Counsel, Counsel and Care, and NHFA Care Advice. Phone 0800 377 7070 or visit www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk

Age UK - Help the Aged and Age Concern merged in April 2010 and become Age UK. They produce a range of information and advice sheets on finding and paying for care. For Details visit www.ageuk.org.uk

CareAware has Care Fee Funding Advisers (Care Asset Management) who can advise older people needing to sell their home to fund their long-term care need. To find an adviser near you contact Care Asset Management's Helpline on 08705 134925, or email: enquiries@careaware.co.uk

www.caringinfo.com - an independent and not-for-profit site, designed to help older people in West Sussex, at every stage of the aging process, make choices about any support services or care needs they may have. It is also useful for professionals working within the health care industry. The website is provided by West Sussex Forum.

www.counselandcare.org.uk - advice and information service for people over 60, their carers, friends and relatives.

There are people who can help:

There is a county wide service for older carers of people with learning difficulties - Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities. Information about the community Team can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk

If things are changing and you would like some support, more information or even just the opportunity to chat with someone try contacting your local West Sussex Carers Support Services

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