Caring for Carers at Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle
At Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle, we meet carers from all walks of life. We want to say: you are not alone and we are here to support you.
At Home Instead Ilkley, Skipton and Settle, we meet carers from all walks of life. Some are young people juggling schoolwork while supporting a parent or sibling. Others are part of what’s known as the “sandwich generation” – adults balancing careers, raising children, and caring for ageing parents all at once. Every day we meet members of the ‘Sandwich Generation’ and we see first-hand the resilience, and the quiet heroism every day. And we want to say: you are not alone and we are here to support you.
What is the Sandwich Generation?
The sandwich generation are a group of people who are caught in the middle – often in their 40s to 60s and simultaneously caring for children and older relatives. It’s a role that brings deep meaning but also fatigue with a huge amount to juggle and manage. One moment you are setting up the school summer fate, the next sending work emails and then dashing to the GP to pick up your parent’s prescriptions. According to the BBC, the ‘Sandwich Generation’ caregivers are often overwhelmed, squeezed by time, finances, and emotional energy. The daily juggle can feel endless.
A Community That Cares
Here in Ilkley, we’re lucky to live in a community that truly values care. There are incredible local resources and organisations like Carers Leeds that offer guidance, counselling, and practical support for unpaid carers. Whether you need someone to talk to, help accessing benefits, or just a breather, they’re there.
Know Your Rights as a Carer
As an unpaid carer, you have legal rights and may be entitled to financial and practical support. Here are a few key points:
- Carer’s Assessment: Every unpaid carer is entitled to a free assessment from their local council.
- Carer’s Allowance: You may be eligible for financial support if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
- Flexible Working: Carers have the right to request flexible working arrangements from their employer.
- Protection from Discrimination: The Equality Act protects carers from discrimination based on their caring responsibilities.
- Emergency Planning: Many councils offer plans and support for carers in case of emergencies.
We encourage every unpaid carer to connect with Carers Leeds to explore what support is available.
How Home Instead Can Help
At Home Instead Ilkley, we understand the emotional weight of caring for a loved one. It can be hard to switch off the ‘carer’ mode and just be a daughter, son, partner, or parent again. That’s where we step in.
Our personalised, relationship-led home care allows unpaid carers to:
- Take a break and recharge without guilt
- Know their loved one is in safe, compassionate hands
- Return to their role as family, not just caregiver
- Regain time for self-care, work, or other responsibilities
- We provide a wide range of services and support for loved one, from companionship, home help to live in care – read more here.
Whether it’s an hour of companionship to some lovely local spots, or round-the-clock support, we’re here to share the load.
You Deserve Support Too
Caring is one of the most generous and exhausting roles we can take on. If you’re feeling stretched thin, uncertain, or simply in need of a breather, reach out. We’re here to listen, help, and offer care that lets you go back to simply being family.
