As the person you care for grows older, their needs may change, and new challenges might arise that make it difficult- or impossible- for you to continue caring for them in the same way. Thinking ahead and making plans now can help you feel more prepared if things change.
It’s also important to consider the possibility that, in the future, the person you care for might no longer be able to make decisions about their own care. Making plans together while they are still able to do so can make things easier later on.
Although it can be difficult to think about, it’s also important to plan for what will happen if either of you dies. As a carer, you should consider:
- What will happen if you die before the person you care for
- What will happen if they die before you
Having a plan in place can offer peace of mind for both of you.
Change of circumstances or care needs
We have a dedicated page with guidance on what to do if an emergency prevents you from continuing your caring role, including steps you can take to prepare for short-term emergency situations.
Visit Emergency Planning for carersIf the needs of the person you care for have changed- or if your circumstances have- such as being unable to provide the same level of care or needing to move home, you can request a needs assessment to explore the support available.Arrange a needs assessment
Power of attorney and legal responsibility
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’).
You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity (the ability to make your own decisions) when you make your LPA.
There are 2 types of LPA:
- health and welfare
- property and financial affairs
You can choose to make one type or both.
It is important to have an LPA arrangement in place for the person you care for, so that you can continue to look after them in the event that they lose the capacity to make their own decisions.Visit Government advice about power of attorney
If you already have legal responsibility for someone who is does not have capacity, then you need to ensure that there is a plan in place for their continuity of care, if something happens to you. Make sure you speak with their social work professional to discuss this.
Talking about end-of-life wishes
Discussing what someone wants to happen when they die can be very emotional and challenging- but it’s an important conversation. Knowing their wishes ensures you can respect and carry them out when the time comes.
Supporting the person you care for to write a will and share their preferences for their funeral can help them feel more in control and give peace of mind to everyone involved.
There is plenty of guidance available on how to write a will. Some charities offer free will-writing services in return for a legacy gift. You can also speak to a solicitor for professional support.
The website Lastingpost provides helpful resources for planning ahead and dealing with the topic of death. It includes tools for recording personal wishes and instructions to be used after someone passes away.
Support after a bereavement
Losing a loved one is never easy, and support is available- whatever the circumstances.
Our colleagues in the Registration Service have created a helpful Bereavement Guide, which you can find on this page.
Visit End of Life pageWe've also gathered a selection of the most useful information and support services to help you during this difficult time.
Supporting carers after a loved one dies
If you care for someone and they pass away, it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions. You might feel lost or unsure of your purpose once they’re gone. At the same time, it’s also common to feel relief and freedom as you begin to focus on your own needs and interests.
Take your time to grieve and look after yourself. Many carers find that bereavement counselling can be very helpful in adjusting to life after caring.