There are many reasons a person might need care. For instance, they may be getting older and not able to do some things for themselves, or they might have a disability or be suffering with an illness.
Below are links to organisations that can help with some of the most common illnesses and conditions. Of course, the person you care for may suffer from an uncommon condition or have a combination of issues. There are always organisations that can help both the person with the illness or condition and their family.
If you interested in any of the below topics, click on them to visit the relevant resource page.
Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/dementia/
Parkinson’s – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/parkinsons/
Stroke – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/caring-for-someone-who-has-a-stroke/
Alcohol, drugs and addiction – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/alcohol-drugs-and-addiction/
Autism – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/caring-for-someone-with-autism/
Mental health – https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/resource-centre/mental-health/
Common conditions
Heart or circulatory conditions
British Heart Foundation offers help and advice. Visit the British Heart Foundation website (https://www.bhf.org.uk/) for more information or call 0300 330 3311, Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Loss of vision
RNIB offer information and support for blind and partially sighted people. Visit the RNIB website (http://www.rnib.org.uk) or call 0303 123 9999, Monday to Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm, Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm.
Hearing loss
RNID give information and support for deaf people and those living with hearing loss or tinnitus. Visit the RNID website (http://www.rnid.org.uk) or call 0808 808 0123.
Cancer
Cancer Research UK has useful information on its website, including help for family, friends and caregivers (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers). They also have a cancer chat forum (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat) and a Nurse Helpline on 0808 800 4040.
Arthritis
Arthritis Action (https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/) is a UK charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis. They run local groups and you can choose to pay a small annual fee to access their full range of services, which include nutrition consultations and subsidised physiotherapy appointments.
Learning disability
Mencap (https://www.mencap.org.uk/) is a UK charity which supports people with a learning disability and also their families. Sign up to receive their emails. They have a helpline on 0808 808 1111.
Lung condition
British Lung Foundation (https://www.blf.org.uk/) has a wealth of information on its website and runs local support groups too – more than 230 nationwide. It has an online community and helpline on 03000 030 555.
Diabetes
Diabetes UK (https://www.diabetes.co.uk/) is a community of people with diabetes, family members, friends, supporters and carers, offering their own support and first hand knowledge.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS Society has a lot of information on its website (https://www.mssociety.org.uk/), all of the latest research and runs local support groups. There’s also a helpline number you can call on 0808 800 8000.
We have listed some common conditions and organisations that can help here, but there are far too many to list on one webpage.
Carer Support Wiltshire’s helpline advisors can signpost you to organisations who can help with specific conditions and problems you are having. Please call us on 0800 181 4118 for tailored advice for your situation.
