At Durham County Carers Support, we work with many unpaid Carers across County Durham and Darlington who are supporting older people whose needs have increased due to frailty, age-related decline, reduced mobility or difficulties with everyday activities. These changes often happen gradually and can become more challenging following illness or a hospital stay.
Supporting an older person to remain safe and independent at home can place significant demands on unpaid Carers, and we are here to offer advice, practical support and reassurance.
Frailty and General Age-Related Decline
As people get older, they may experience increasing frailty, reduced strength and balance, and find daily tasks more tiring. This can increase the risk of falls and make it harder to manage routines that were once straightforward.
As an unpaid Carer, you may find yourself:
✔ Providing more hands-on support
✔ Helping to plan and manage daily routines
✔ Supporting someone who is becoming less confident moving around
We support Carers to understand what help is available locally and nationally, and how to access services that can reduce risk and maintain independence.
Support Available from Us:
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One-to-one advice and support for unpaid Carers
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Information about local services and community support
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Signposting to practical aids and equipment
Find out more about how we can support you:
👉 https://dccarers.org/carer-support/
Reduced Mobility and Help With Daily Tasks
Reduced mobility is one of the most common reasons older people rely on unpaid Carers. This may include needing help with:
✔ Getting in and out of bed
✔ Washing, dressing and personal care
✔ Moving safely around the home
Providing this kind of support can be physically and emotionally demanding. We work alongside Carers to help them access advice, training and support so caring feels more manageable and sustainable.
Additional Help for Carers:
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Information about Carers Cards available in County Durham and Darlington
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Support groups and opportunities to connect with other Carers
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Advice on recognising your own needs as a Carer
Support Around Hospital Discharge
We know that hospital discharge can be one of the most stressful times for unpaid Carers, especially when an older person returns home with increased care needs.
If the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, or has recently returned home, our Hospital Discharge Support Service can provide specialist one-to-one support. This includes:
✔ Emotional support for unpaid Carers
✔ Information about services and next steps
✔ Help understanding your rights as a Carer
This support is available for up to four weeks, with ongoing help where appropriate.
Find out more about hospital discharge support:
👉 https://dccarers.org/hospital-discharge/
Your Rights as a Carer
As an unpaid Carer, you have the right to be recognised and supported. This includes the right to request a Carer’s Assessment, which looks at your needs, wellbeing and ability to continue caring.
We encourage Carers to:
✔ Let health and social care professionals know they are a Carer
✔ Ask to be involved in care and discharge planning
✔ Seek support early, before caring becomes overwhelming
We can support you through this process and help you understand what support may be available.
Looking After Yourself
Caring for an older person can be rewarding, but it can also take a toll on your health and wellbeing. At Durham County Carers Support, we encourage unpaid Carers to look after themselves as well as the person they care for.
We can help you access:
✔ Emotional and wellbeing support
✔ Counselling services
✔ Peer support and Carer groups
You do not have to manage caring alone — support is available.
Support from Age UK
We also regularly signpost unpaid Carers to Age UK, who provide specialist information and support for older people and those who care for them.
Age UK can offer:
✔ Clear, trusted information on health, care and housing options
✔ Advice on benefits, pensions and financial support for older people
✔ Guidance on staying safe, independent and well at home
✔ Local support and activities through Age UK services in the North East
Their resources can be particularly helpful for Carers supporting someone with age-related decline, mobility issues or changing care needs.
Useful Links:
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Age UK – Advice and Information
Practical guidance on health, care, benefits, housing and later life planning.
👉 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/ -
Age UK – Caring for Someone
Dedicated information for Carers, including what to expect, where to get help and how to look after your own wellbeing.
👉 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/ -
Age UK County Durham
Local services, activities and support available across County Durham.
👉 https://www.ageukcountydurham.org.uk/
If you are unsure which organisation is best placed to support you, Durham County Carers Support can help you explore your options and make referrals or introductions where appropriate.
Who Can Help?
If you are an unpaid Carer supporting an older person with age-related needs in County Durham or Darlington, there is support available. The organisations below can help you at different stages of your caring journey.
Durham County Carers Support
We provide specialist support for unpaid Carers, including:
✔ One-to-one advice and emotional support
✔ Help understanding your rights as a Carer
✔ Support around hospital discharge
✔ Access to Carer’s Assessments, counselling and peer support
Age UK
Age UK supports older people and those who care for them by providing:
✔ Trusted information on health, care, housing and benefits
✔ Advice on staying independent and safe at home
✔ Local activities and support services
👉 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/
👉 https://www.ageukcountydurham.org.uk/
NHS Services
The NHS can support both the person you care for and unpaid Carers by:
✔ Recognising you as a Carer
✔ Involving you in care and discharge planning
✔ Making reasonable adjustments where needed
Adult Social Care
Adult Social Care can assess the needs of the person you care for and unpaid Carers to help identify:
✔ Care and support at home
✔ Equipment or adaptations
✔ Support to help you continue caring safely
👉Social Care Direct – Your local council can explain how to request a Care Act assessment or a Carer’s Assessment.
You Are Not Alone
If you are unsure where to start, Durham County Carers Support can help you navigate these services and make sure you are not managing caring alone.