Caring for someone with cancer
Who is a carer?
Many people don’t see themselves as carers, you may feel that you are doing what is your responsibility, helping the people you care for. Understanding that you are in a caring role can help you access the support and information you might need.
You are a carer if you provide unpaid help or support to someone with cancer who would find it difficult to manage without you, this includes a partner, family member, friend or neighbour.
Your responsibilities might include help with everyday tasks like shopping or cleaning, taking them to appointments, helping with personal care and emotional support.
Every situation is different, caring can be very rewarding but it can also be challenging and demanding at times so being able to access information and support to help you in this role may be beneficial.
Support and information for carers
Suffolk Family Carers have experienced and knowledgeable teams who can provide a range of support, including advice on health and wellbeing, carers’ assessments, signposting, workshops, advocacy, respite funding and more. For further information see the video below:
Macmillan benefits website information about types of financial support available. Further information is available on another page on this website
Blue badge parking scheme, applications on the Suffolk County Council website. Further information is available on another page on this website
Customer First, Adult Social Care in Suffolk
Looking after someone with cancer, booklet/ download published by Macmillan
Be there for someone facing cancer, booklet/ download published by Macmillan
A guide for young people looking after someone with cancer, booklet/ download published by Macmillan, put together with the help of young careres. The guide plains what it means to be a young carer, where you can get help and support, how to look after yourself and how to cope with practical, emotional and financial issues.
Stepping Home, an initiative between East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, councils in Suffolk (excluding Waveney) and other organisations with the aims of preventing hospital admissions, removing barriers complicating hospital discharge, and enabling independence.
Red Cross, assistance when returning home from hospital, offers support for carers in some locations.
Care coordination centre, providing community-based healthcare across Suffolk
Suffolk care services directory. This contains comprehensive information on social care in Suffolk. It includes an introduction to:
What care services are on offer near you
Useful information on paying for care
Staying independent
Lists of care providers in Suffolk
Suffolk County Council “Living Well” scheme provides information if you need help with personal care or maintaining independence.
Aspect Living, meals on wheels covers the majority of Suffolk all year.
St Elizabeth Hospice - Ipswich. The Hospice can help you with physical and emotional symptoms following a diagnosis of cancer that cannot be cured. The Hospice team are there to help support family and carers.
Please also refer to our page “Support in your Community” where you will find information about professional and voluntary support in the area served by Ipswich Hospital.