HealthInfo Canterbury
Support for carers
Caring for someone can be difficult and stressful and there may be challenges both physically and emotionally.
It's important to remember that you aren't alone and that there's support available.
Needing help doesn't mean you aren't a good carer. Everyone who is caring for someone will need support sometimes.
Read below for some actions you can take.
- Find out if you qualify for Respite support and Carer support.
- See the Ministry of Social Development's Guide for Carers for practical advice.
- If someone you care for needs support because of a disability, you’ll need to talk to a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination service (NASC). They'll determine if you and the person you're caring for are eligible for funded support services.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Carers New Zealand
Information, advice, learning and support for families with health and disability needs. Phone 0800-777-797 or email them. Their Find support page has links to organisations that offer local support to carers and their families.
- Dementia Canterbury – Supporting someone with dementia
Provides support, education, information and advocacy for people with dementia and their families.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Supports grandparents and whānau/family carers throughout New Zealand.
- Ministry of Social Development – COVID-19: Welfare and social sector support for family, whānau, and āiga carers
Information on help available for carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Society of Canterbury
Offers professional support, information and education for people with, and those providing care for people with, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson disease.
- Stroke Foundation
Supports families affected by stroke.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2021.
See also:
Financial support for health costs
Looking after yourself when caring for someone who is dying
Review key: HIIFC-65122
