Kidney cancer - Support for carers

Caring for someone who's ill can be very demanding due to the broad range of medical, personal and emotional needs they can have.

In the UK, there are almost seven million people (1 in 10) who look after an ill or disabled partner, child, relative or friend.

If you're caring for a family member, you may not consider yourself a carer because you're just doing what needs to be done. You might feel that you have no other options.

This can be stressful and you may feel resentful towards the person you're caring for, which can also leave you feeling guilty. You may have been forced to leave your job, give up hobbies and stop socialising, which can be very isolating.

It's important to remember that you're not alone and that support is available. By law you're entitled to a free health and social care assessment, which you can access through your local authority. The assessment will look at the possibility of you getting practical and financial help.

Read more about care assessments.

Being a carer means that you may be entitled to certain financial benefits, particularly if you have to give up work.

Read more about benefits for carers.

Carers can also get help with breaks from caring from local authorities or organisations such as Crossroads Care.

Read more about breaks from caring.