Caring for someone may be a large part of your life, but it is inevitable at some point, this role will change. This could be because the person you have been supporting recovers, or someone else takes over the care for them. Or it could be they have not been able to stay at home and are in a care or nursing home, or they have died. In all these cases, it is important not to underestimate the impact that this might have on you, practically, emotionally or financially.

How the Sheffield Carers Centre can help

If a carer is already in contact with us, we'll provide support for them as their caring role changes or ends. If the person being cared for has died, we'll connect carers to specialist bereavement services.

If the person you care for is away from home, its important to contact the Department of Work and Pensions to let them know when someone moves into hospital or a care home for long term support. The person you care for would usually stop receiving a disability benefit after 4 weeks. Following that you would also no longer be able to receive Carers Allowance, unless you are still providing a lot of care, and the person is paying for their place in the care home.

If you received a carer premium with means-tested benefits, this will continue for an extra eight weeks after your Carer’s Allowance stops. Details about which number to call in order to inform the DWP should be included on any letters you receive from them. For more information please contact the Carers Advice Service on (0114) 272 8362.

Other useful resources

The Carers UK website provides much useful information to support you when your caring role ends, and help you think through options and practicalities More information >>>   The Age UK website also has some useful advice for carers whose role is changing More information >>>

What to do when someone dies

The Government website has useful information about what you need to do when someone dies: More information >>> and about financial support available: More Information >>>

The Death Notification Service is a free service to notify a number of banks and building societies of a person’s death at the same time. Their aim is to make the process quick and easy for you to inform them at a time that suits you: More information >>>

Preventing posthumous identity theft is unfortunately something to consider after someone dies. The Information Commissioner’s Office website has More information >>>

Cruse is a charity that helps people through with bereavement support: More here >>>
The National Bereavement Service has a useful brochure: More here >>>
The Quaker Social Action has a leaflet on 'Funeral Planning Wishes': More here >>>
QSA also has a brochure on 'Planning an affordable and meaningful funeral': More here >>>