Top tips from LGBTQ+ unpaid carers

Top tips from LGBTQ+ unpaid carers

Being an LGBTQ+ unpaid carer can be difficult and it isn’t always easy to find the right guidance and support. With that in mind the LGBTQ+ unpaid carers that have been involved in this project have shared their top tips to help you on your journey as an LGBTQ+ carer.

• Make sure you look after yourself first. Basic self-care like hydration, nutrition, sleep and exercise are important to ensure you are well enough to provide care for your cared for person. For more self-care ideas have a look at Jules’ blog here.

• Make contact with support organisations before things get too serious - don’t wait for crisis to strike. 

• Register with your GP as a carer. All GP surgeries are required to keep a carers register and often send out information relevant to carers.

• Technology can be very helpful in your caring role. This can be helpful for remote carers and little things can make a big difference. As well as making life easier for the cared for person, it can also give the carer peace of mind. You can read Kevin’s blog here on how to make use of technology.

• Self-refer to talking therapies if you need someone to talk to. Talking to a professional can be very helpful especially as carers struggle with feelings of overwhelm and guilt around their caring responsibilities.

• Make sure you are getting what you are entitled to such as Carer’s Allowance.

• Key safes are useful if people or services need to access the house and you cannot be present especially in an emergency situation.

• It's good to live in the present, but it's vital to spend some time planning for your future life, perhaps when your caring has ended.

• Remember services, staff and organisation’s change quite often so it is worth revisiting services every year or so to see how they are changing, some even get better!

• Often you have to "out" yourself as a LGBTQ+ carer to get help so only do it if you feel comfortable and safe enough to do so.

• It is hard to find services that cater to intersectionality so be prepared to use services just for carers or for the LGBTQ+ community. 

• It is worth looking for support via groups that focus on specific issues/conditions and trying to see if there are carers who are LGBTQ+ there.

• Plans are useless but planning is vital!

• Carry a wallet card for peace of mind that states "I'm a carer" so people know there is a cared for person needing care if the carer is at risk.

• Find a support or peer support group where you feel comfortable as the time, space and understanding can be very helpful.

With thanks to the LGBTQ+ carers who took the time to share the things that have been helpful for them. For further LGBTQ+ support and carers support services check out our support page here. 

Published on 31/07/2023 by Keisha Tomlinson