CareHelper UK
Guides for unpaid carers in the UK
Plain-English articles to help you take the next practical step, with links to useful tools and trusted UK support.
Popular guides
Start with these practical guides if you are new to caring or need help with common next steps.
Find guides by task
Use these grouped links to move between related articles without having to search the full library.
New carer guides
Start here if caring has recently begun or the role is changing quickly.
GP appointment guides
Prepare notes, questions and follow-up actions for GP calls and appointments.
How to prepare for a GP appointment as a carerGP appointmentsQuestions to ask a GP when caring for an elderly parentGP appointmentsWhat to write down before calling the GP about an elderly parentGP appointmentsHow to track symptoms before a GP appointmentGP appointmentsGP appointment notes template for carersPrintable templates
Home safety guides
Review common home safety concerns, falls, living alone and practical supplies.
Care organisation guides
Keep contacts, documents, medicines information and care plans easier to find.
What documents should a family carer keep organised?Getting organisedHow to create a care folder for an elderly parentGetting organisedEmergency contact list for elderly parents: what to includeGetting organisedHow to organise medication information for an elderly parentGP appointmentsCare planning templates for unpaid carersPrintable templates
Helpful tools for guide readers
Turn a guide into a practical next step with one of the main CareHelper UK tools.
Getting startedWhat to do when you first become a carer in the UKA practical first-week guide for new unpaid carers in the UK, with calm steps for notes, support conversations, safety and wellbeing.GP appointmentsHow to prepare for a GP appointment as a carerA practical guide to preparing concise notes, questions and consent-aware information before a GP appointment when you support someone.GP appointmentsQuestions to ask a GP when caring for an elderly parentA practical list of questions to help carers prepare for a GP appointment with an elderly parent in the UK.Home safetyHome safety checklist for elderly parents in the UKA simple home safety checklist for family carers supporting elderly parents in the UK, covering common trip, lighting, bathroom, and emergency planning concerns.Council supportWhat is a carer's assessment in the UK?A plain-English explanation of a carer's assessment in the UK, what it may cover, and how unpaid carers can prepare.BenefitsCarer's Allowance explained in simple termsA simple, cautious overview of Carer's Allowance for unpaid carers in the UK, with reminders to check official GOV.UK eligibility rules.GP appointmentsHow to organise medication information for an elderly parentA practical guide for family carers on keeping medication information organised for appointments and day-to-day care.WellbeingHow to balance work and caring responsibilitiesPractical ideas for unpaid carers balancing paid work with caring responsibilities, including organisation, conversations, and support signposting.WellbeingSigns you may need more support as a carerCommon signs that an unpaid carer may need more practical, emotional, or professional support, with safe signposting to trusted help.Getting organisedWhat documents should a family carer keep organised?A practical guide to organising key information, contacts and documents for family carers, with privacy and consent reminders.Home safetyHow to make a home safer after a fallA calm, practical guide for family carers thinking about home safety after someone has fallen, with signposting to professional support when needed.Printable templatesCare planning templates for unpaid carersA practical guide to care planning templates that may help UK unpaid carers organise routines, contacts and next steps.Printable templatesMedication tracker template for family carersHow a medication tracker template may help family carers organise information for appointments and professional conversations.Printable templatesGP appointment notes template for carersA simple guide to using GP appointment notes templates to prepare clear questions and follow-up notes as a carer.Care suppliesHome safety products to consider for elderly relativesA careful overview of common home safety products some carers may consider for elderly relatives in the UK.Care suppliesUseful products for new unpaid carers in the UKA calm guide to organisation and household products that some new unpaid carers may find useful in the UK.GP appointmentsWhat to write down before calling the GP about an elderly parentA practical UK guide for family carers preparing clear, consent-aware notes before calling a GP surgery about an elderly parent.Getting organisedEmergency contact list for elderly parents: what to includeA simple guide to creating an emergency contact list for an elderly parent, including family, health, care and household contacts.Getting organisedHow to create a care folder for an elderly parentA practical guide to setting up a simple care folder for an elderly parent, with contacts, routines, appointments and useful notes.GP appointmentsHow to track symptoms before a GP appointmentA simple guide for carers on tracking symptoms and daily changes before a GP appointment, without trying to diagnose or treat.Home safetyChecklist for helping an elderly parent who lives aloneA reassuring checklist for family carers supporting an elderly parent who lives alone, covering contact, routines, home safety and support routes.Home safetyHome safety checklist for elderly parents in the UKA room-by-room UK home safety checklist for family carers supporting an elderly parent, with practical notes and safe signposting.Home safetyHow to make a home safer after a fallA practical guide for family carers reviewing the home after an elderly parent or relative has fallen, with safe next steps and official-help prompts.WellbeingSigns you may need more support as a carerA safe, practical guide to noticing when caring pressure may need more support, with prompts for conversations and official help.BenefitsCarer's Allowance in simple termsA cautious plain-English guide to understanding Carer's Allowance terms before checking official GOV.UK rules or seeking qualified advice.
Useful resources
Additional planning resources to explore in your own time.