A carer is anyone, both children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health issues or addiction and cannot cope without support. 

The care they give is unpaid. 

Lots of people who are carers do not instantly recognise themselves as such. Some carers don’t identify themselves as a carer for fear of interference by outside agencies. 

You don’t have to live with the person you look after, and you might be juggling caring with other responsibilities like work or looking after children. 

Being a carer can include household tasks and personal care, such as shopping, cooking, lifting, collecting prescriptions, giving medication and attending appointments. 

You can work whilst in receipt of Carer’s Allowance but your take home pay must not be over £128 per week and you still have to provide at least 35 hours care for the person you are claiming for. 

You are permitted to attend college or a course for up to 16 hours per week, as long as you still provide at least 35 hours care for the person you are receiving Carer’s Allowance for. 

A carer’s assessment is a chance for you to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways in which you can receive support. We can help you to arrange an assessment. There is no charge for an assessment. 

There are several conditions that you will need to meet to claim Carer’s Allowance. 

Local help in Luton from the Carers Central team: Contact your local Carer Support Workers at our service for unpaid carers in Luton. 

Call us on 0300 303 0201 

You can also contact the national Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297 

Luton Council may be able to help you take time out from caring by providing help for the person you care for in their home, in day centres, or in a care home. This type of respite care is referred to as “carer’s breaks”. 

Carer’s breaks are for your benefit and wellbeing. It’s important the care provided is suitable for the person you care for, and that they agree to the service. 

Types of carer’s breaks: 

Respite day care

Sitting service

Carers’ short break

You will need a Carer’s Assessment to see what type of carer’s break is suitable. Carers Central can support you to obtain a carer’s break from Luton Borough Council and help you understand the process.  

Carers Central provides support to carers over the age of 18, who live or care for someone within Luton. 

A contingency plan (or emergency plan) sets out care arrangements in case you are unable to fulfil your caring role. Having a plan in place can stop an emergency becoming a crisis. 

Carers Central can help you create an emergency plan by answering Who, What, Why, Where and When and involving relevant family, friends and professionals. 

A contingency plan could include: 

Name, address and contact details of the person you look after

Who to contact in an emergency (friends, family, professionals)

Medication details and where it is stored

Treatment needs, allergies, GP and pharmacy details

Care and support services received

Continence products and suppliers

Mobility needs and aids (wheelchair/hoist)

Behavioural information others need to know

You may be able to get a badge if you have a disability that affects walking, means you are likely to come to harm when walking, or you are likely to harm someone when walking. Some people are automatically entitled. 

The Blue Badge scheme is run by your local council. You’ll need to complete a form, provide a passport photo, proof of disability, and ID (and you may need to pay a fee). Carers Central can provide support with applying.

You do not have to live in the same house or even the same town. Support can be given in many ways including physical and emotional support. 

Send us your questions — simply email us your questions and we’ll do our best to help.