Caring for myself

If you care for someone, it’s important to make sure you’re also taking care of yourself. There’s support available to help you do this.

What support is available to help you care for yourself

Caring for someone can be tough. It’s easy to become exhausted and overwhelmed. There’s support available to help you look after yourself.

Mental health support

There’s support available to help you with your mental health.

The Department of Social Services Carer Gateway offers a free counselling service for carers.

Carer Gateway has information about how to look after your physical and emotional health as a carer. Read more about looking after yourself as a carer on the Carer Gateway website.

If you’re living with violence or abuse, there are some things you need to do to keep your information safe.

A break from caring

Sometimes you may need to take a break from caring so you can rest and recharge.

You can use 63 days of respite each calendar year without your payment stopping. This applies if you get:

Respite care services are available to temporarily look after the person you care for while you take a break. Read more about respite care on the Carer Gateway website.

Payments and support

We have payments and services to help carers. Read about getting support from us.

There’s also information and support available to help you manage your money.

Help and advice

There are lots of things to manage when you’re a carer. Read more about help and advice for carers on the Carer Gateway website.

Page last updated: 15 March 2023.