There is life after caring, as the person you care for may move on in one way or another. For example, a young person may move into further education or into a specialist residential unit. A elderly person may go into residential or nursing care. Sadly, the person you care for may die.
It can feel like your world has turned upside down and you may feel isolated and lonely. It is therefore advisable to be prepared for changes.
If you no longer have a direct caring role, you will need time to adjust and make plans for your future. You may need help or advice around a number of issues, such as financial help if your benefits have stopped, employment advice if you have been out of the workplace for a while, or general support to help you to talk through your feelings and concerns.
For many people, being a carer can mean that you give up a lot of your friends and social life to care for your loved ones. You may need some support to get back your life after caring.
Bereavement
If the person you care for dies, it is important that you allow yourself time to grieve. Different people react in different ways - and it is important that you cope in the way that is best for you.
There are people who can help you to come to terms with your loss, such as relatives or close friends, doctors or nursing staff, social workers, religious workers, as well as local support groups.
Waltham Forest Registrar Office
If you have any questions about the registration of births, deaths and marriages, please contact us:
Waltham Forest Registrar Office
106 Grove Road
Walthamstow E17 9BY
Tel 020 8496 2716 (Direct dial)
Tel 020 8496 3000 (Emergency or outside working these hours)
Fax 020 8509 1388
Email register.office@walthamforest.gov.uk
National organisations
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse offers free information and advice to anyone who has been affected by a death. It provides support and counselling, one to one and in groups. It also offers education, support, information and publications to anyone supporting bereaved people.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse House
126 Sheen Road, Richmond
Surrey TW9 1UR
Tel 0870 167 1677 helpline
Email info@crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Web www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. The service is free.
Compassionate Friends
53 North Street
Bristol BS3 1EN
Tel 0845 123 2304
Web www.tcf.org.uk
Samaritans
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Tel 08457 909090
Web www.samaritans.org.uk
Macmillan Nurses
Macmillan Cancer Relief is a UK charity that works to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer.
Macmillan CancerLine
Macmillan Cancer Relief
89 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7UQ
Tel 0808 808 2020
Email cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
Web www.macmillan.org.uk
Making a will
Anyone can make a will. You don't have to make a will, but experts may advise you to do so. By making a will you will be able to set out who is to benefit from your property and possessions ('your estate') after your death. It will also help make sure that your estate, after any taxes and debts have been paid, is passed on as you want. You may need legal advice if you want your share of any jointly-owned assets to be inherited by someone who is not the other joint owner.
You can choose the people who are responsible for passing on your estate. These people are called executors, and you can appoint executors by naming them in your will. The courts can also appoint other people to be responsible for doing this job.
If you do not make a will, your estate will be passed on according to a scheme laid down in law. Who is entitled under this scheme (which is designed to reflect the wishes of the average person) will depend on which relatives survive you, if any.
If you are thinking of making a will, you may want to get the help of a lawyer or a voluntary organisation such as Citizens Advice or Age Concern. For more information, you can visit the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or the Age Concern website (www.ageconcern.org.uk).
