“Recognising yourself as a carer when caring for a child with additional needs can be a challenge on its own.”
The rising cost of living in the UK has added significant pressure on many families, particularly for those balancing full-time caring responsibilities. This is especially challenging for parent carers, who often face unique financial and emotional pressures.
Many people view the role of a parent carer as part of parenting, but it involves far more responsibilities. Managing medical needs, advocating for services, and handling emotional and financial challenges add complexity. Unlike traditional parenting, parent carers often provide constant care with little time for breaks, all while navigating complicated support systems.
Recognising your role as a carer is key to accessing the resources and support available. In the UK, there are 5.8 million carers, with 10.6% being parent carers who face unique, often overlooked challenges.
Melissa, 41, from Essex, is a parent carer for her nine-year-old son, Leo, who has Global Development Delay, epilepsy, autism, and speech and language difficulties. After her relationship ended, Melissa became a single parent and the sole carer for Leo. This made it impossible for her to work, and managing day-to-day expenses became even harder. Leo’s condition also adds further challenges, requiring Melissa to oversee every aspect of his daily routine. Melissa shares:
“It’s isolating being a parent carer. Recognising yourself as a carer when caring for a child with additional needs can be a challenge on its own.”
For carers like Melissa, who are already struggling financially, the cost-of-living adds even more pressure. Rising utility bills, particularly during the colder months, put additional pressure on families struggling to make ends meet, with the cost of essential services like heating becoming a critical concern. Melissa explains: "Heating costs are through the roof, but I have no choice but to keep the heating on during winter. Leo’s epilepsy makes the cold unbearable for him, and any drop in temperature could trigger a seizure, which is a constant worry."
“I couldn’t work and provide dedicated care for Leo. "His needs are constant—appointments, school calls, and his emotional and physical care leave no time to earn an income. Making ends meet is incredibly hard," Melissa says.
“His autism causes sensory overload, and his epilepsy requires constant vigilance to manage frequent seizures,” she adds.
After coming across a Carers First leaflet at her local GP Surgery, Melissa reached out to the charity for some guidance on the support available to her as a carer. Carers First supported Melissa in accessing financial relief through a cost-of-living grant, providing vital support during a challenging time. “The cost-of-living payment helped to cover bills, especially during the winter when heating costs are higher,” she says. “It gave me some breathing room and made a huge difference. I don’t know how we would have managed without it.”
Carers First also helped Melissa navigate the complex benefits systems, including applying for Carers Allowance. “They guided me through the process, reducing my stress and giving me confidence,” she says. "Carers Allowance has been crucial for us financially. Every bit of help counts when living on a tight budget.”
Despite the challenges, Melissa remains focused on providing the best life for her children, particularly as Leo transitions into secondary education. "The children are my priority, and I’ll keep fighting for them," she says. “But the financial strain, mixed with the exhaustion of being a full-time carer, is tough. I’m caring round the clock, every day."
Even when she’s not physically with Leo, Melissa feels mentally drained, constantly worrying about his needs.
“It’s hard to focus on anything else, including myself.”
Melissa encourages other carers who face similar challenges: "Reach out for support - you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Organisations like Carers First can provide financial support and understanding to help you through tough times."
Melissa’s experience highlights the resilience of parent carers and the crucial need for them to recognise their role to access the support and resources they are entitled to.
“It’s tough, but every sacrifice I make is for my children’s future. With the right support, we’ll get through this together.”
Carers First understands that every caring role is unique, with its challenges and experiences. However, one thing that is constant is that all carers deserve the support they need. Whether it’s emotional guidance, practical support, or financial assistance, tailored resources are available to empower every carer in their caring journey.
Click here to find out more about Carers First’s advice and support for carers.