Becoming a carer can be a physically and emotionally exhausting task and although there is help available many carers do not have the time to look for it or know who to contact. This indispensable guide aims to be a one-stop-shop for the huge percentage of the population who, now or later, find themselves in a caring role, whether that involves shopping for a housebound neighbour, or giving up work to care full-time for a disabled child or confused parent. This book will also help carers care for themselves. It looks at the difficult feelings that go hand in hand with caring, including how relationships are affected. There's guidance on what to do when a carer stops coping, and how to prepare emotionally and practically for the time when caring comes to an end. There is also an extensive resource section that arms carers with all the phone numbers, addresses and websites they need.

Contents: Foreword; Introduction; 1. Becoming a carer; 2. Finding your way through the care maze; 3. The carer assessment; 4. Working with the professionals; 5. Money matters; 6. More on money; 7. Working careers; 8. Caring at home; 9. Healthy minds and healthy bodies; 10. How relationships are affected; 11. So, how are you feeling?; 12. Sharing the caring role; 13. Getting support for you; 14. Reviewing where you are; 15. Residential care; 16. Beyond caring; Resources; Acknowledgements; Index.