Caring for someone can be very rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. It is important to prioritise your own wellbeing and taking a break from caring can help you to keep caring for longer.
If someone lacks the mental capacity to make decisions and doesn’t have a lasting or enduring power of attorney in place, you may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become their deputy. Deputies must be 18 or older and are usually close relatives or friends, though professional deputies like accountants or solicitors can also be appointed. The court can appoint multiple deputies for the same individual.
A power of attorney ensures there’s a plan if someone you care for can’t make decisions in the future. It’s a legal document giving someone trusted the authority to act on their behalf. The person creating it must have mental capacity, and only a Lasting Power of Attorney applies for future mental incapacity.
You can apply to become a DWP appointee if the person you care for is unable to manage their benefit claim due to mental incapacity or severe disability. Appointees can be family, friends, or organisations, and must be 18 or older. The DWP will assess the claimant’s need and interview the prospective appointee to ensure suitability.
If the person you care for needs temporary help with their bank account, they can authorise you through a third-party mandate. This allows you to manage their everyday banking, but it requires the account holder to have mental capacity. The mandate is usually renewed annually and is useful in situations like illness or injury, or while waiting for a power of attorney. For long-term or more extensive financial management, a power of attorney may be a better option.
The RADAR Key, part of the National Key Scheme (NKS), provides people with disabilities and health conditions independent access to over 10,000 locked public toilets across the UK. This large silver key is used by more than 400 local authorities, including the City of York Council, and is found in various public and commercial spaces such as shopping centres, pubs, and airports. Additionally, the “Just Can’t Wait Card” helps individuals request toilet access at certain venues, though it does not guarantee entry.
If you’re caring for a disabled person having trouble accessing their home, they may be eligible for free disability equipment or small adaptations, up to £1000, from their local council. For larger changes, they may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help with the cost of home adaptations. A DFG is mandatory if the council deems the work necessary, appropriate, and feasible, based on the person’s needs and the property’s condition.
If you, or the person you care for, are disabled or have a health condition affecting your mobility, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge to help you park closer to your destination. You can also apply for a badge if you care for a child with a health condition.
A deferred payment agreement (DPA) lets individuals use the value of their home to cover care costs, deferring payment until later.
If the person you care for moves into a care home permanently, they may be entitled to a 12-week property disregard.
Some people who have been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act can get free after-care services once they leave hospital.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a care package for people with significant ongoing health needs who require care mainly due to their medical condition.
