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 is 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 will 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 Canterbury

  Offers 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.

Page reference: 65122

Review key: HIIFC-65122