Feel trapped as a Carer

A question about : Feel trapped as a Carer

One in every eight adults care for a family member, friend or partner, often giving up their own health and wealth in the process.

This has happened to me by giving up my career for my loved one. I would do it again for them but still mourn my career. Especially when things are tough and wish I could have my old life back.

Even if I could find someone to look after my loved one how much money would I have to earn in my career to make up for all the benefits I receive as well as having to pay for care. I earn Ј100 per week part time for 16 hours per week so do get Carers Allowance.

We receive working tax credit, child tax credit, carers allowance, (bearing in mind the pension credits accruing as well) child benefit and DLA for disabled child.

So you see if I did manage to find a carer and a job that would pay all of that - How much would it have to be so that I am no longer trapped?

Best answers:

• Who claims the working tax credits? Is it your child you are caring for?
• It may be my husband?
• What jobs are there that would pay that? I ask because I used to work for the clothing industry and to earn that type of money you would have to have quite alot of experience and qualifications. That has been quoted to be an average wage. I just can't see it. If I was to change industry I am sure I would be back on minimum wage.
• But surely you wouldn't need to earn all that? Your child's DLA and child benefit would be untouched on the wages you are talking about. The WTC and CTC would reduce depending on your income.
  So you need to earn Carers allowance (Ј61) + money to pay a carer + anything you need to cover reduction in WTC and CTC. If you are already working presumably the person does not need 24/7 care. If so how much care would be required for this person for you to go full-time? If they need this care they may be able to access it through social services.
  In theory increasing your current role to fulltime would cover everything but the care costs based upon current 16hrs =Ј100 so fulltime (38hrs) would be about Ј237.50. This covers the loss of carers allowance and any CTC and WTC reduction (which on this wage would be minimal).
• Loved one goes to school and is cared for 1:1 all the time they are at school, the rest of the time I take over.
  I don't think I can access it through social services.
• yes thank-you I am glad somebody else is seeing what I am.
  I was worried I was putting unnecessary obstacles in my way.
  This is if I could even find a carer in the fairly remote place we live. I had a years search just to find somebody for 4 hrs respite a week and that is only term time. The person who has come forward is a diamond but due to their own family commitments cannot do anymore time.
  Yes - tied to school drop off and pick up times too.
• When I went back to work in June I looked into getting extra care for my father whilst I was working. He already gets 4 hours a week for personal care but I needed to increase this by approx 14 hours a week. I was quoted from Ј12-Ј16 an hour, using an agency you wouldn't have to worry about tax, ni, holidays, sick pay, etc. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford these rates on part-time pay for all the hours I needed but was able to pay for an hour 3 times a week just so someone would be here to prepare his food, etc. I'm lucky in that my niece lives quite close and is able to come in for an hour or so with her 2 year old on days that she doesn't work.
• If you could find a reliable carer to support school run times, would that give you more a chance at going back to a career you enjoyed previously, or is it more complicated?
  Quote:
• Our solution is to work from home. We have delved in to ecommerce, and buy and sell to make part of a living.
  Allows us school run time, work time, and children time. Also, I still do voluntary work with ex offenders to keep my brain engaged and try to be part of the outside world.
  Perhaps not ideal, and I absolutely agree with this way allowing more time with the children, being part of their school routine and feeling as though I am contributing.
  Like you, I have felt trapped at times, a feeling that comes and goes. Getting out and being useful in the world helps a great deal.
  Sorry I can't give any more ideas.