Support for carers

Being a carer for someone with sarcoma can affect your own mental and physical health.

If you’re worried about your own health, seek help from your GP. Make sure you have your own support network too. Carers UK have lots of useful information, including a free telephone helpline and email service, as well as a forum for carers to connect with each other.

If you are looking after someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

Being a carer for somebody with sarcoma can impact you emotionally, practically and physically. It’s really important to look after yourself too, so you can continue to provide support. You can do this by prioritising your self-care. Self-care includes:

• Eating healthily
• Keeping active
• Maintaining a good sleep pattern
• Taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy

It’s important to spend time with other family and friends, as this will strengthen your own support network. You could also ask them to share caring responsibilities with you.

It may help to acknowledge your own feelings, positive and negative, and attend low cost counselling if available. You should let other people know if you’re struggling, and there may be respite care available to you.

Let your GP surgery know you’re a carer as many can offer support. The receptionist should be able to tell you whether they can be flexible with appointments and/or have a support group for carers. You should be eligible for a free flu jab too.

If you work elsewhere, you should also make your employer aware of your situation and find out whether you’re entitled to any benefits.