WHEN CARING ENDS
Support and guidance to help you plan for the future and navigate life when caring ends.
Caring for someone is a significant part of life.
When your caring role changes or ends, it can bring many emotions. You may feel sadness, uncertainty, guilt, or even relief. All feelings are normal, and they can change over time.
Caring roles end for many reasons: the person may no longer need your care, they may have died, the relationship may have broken down, or the persons care needs have become beyond what you can physically (and mentally) provide.
This page supports and guides carers whose role has ended; whether that is by choice or not.
The page is full of guidance, advice and resources to help you navigate this transition and support your well-being. There is support for carers after bereavement.
If the person you care for moves into residential care, you are still a Carer.
Therefore we still support you with exactly the same support as before. Your role has changed, but your care and support continue.
*Providing these links does not mean that The Carers’ Support Service endorses the organisation. The Carers’ Support Service accepts no liability for any losses or damages caused by using these services. Please do you own research, be aware that other organisations are available and find the right provider/support for your needs.
If you can no longer provide care
If you can no longer provide care
Sometimes you may not be able to keep providing care. The person might need more support than you can give, or your own health may make caring harder. It is understandable to feel unsure, sad, or even relieved when you can no longer continue.
If you cannot provide care, let your local council know. They can carry out a care needs assessment or review the care plan. Make sure to explain if your situation is urgent so support can be arranged more quickly.
More information about Care Needs Assessments can be found on this page
To book a Care Needs Assessment in North Lincolnshire you can call 01724 297000
In North East Lincolnshire, you can visit the website for FOCUS Independent Adults Services here, or call 01472 256256 option 2.
If the person you care for moves into residential care
Sometimes residential care is the best option. You may feel relief that they are safe and supported, but also guilt or sadness. All of these feelings are normal, and they may change over time.
Even if the person now lives in residential care, you are still their carer. Your role has not ended, but it has changed. You may still provide care, visit, or support their emotional needs.
It helps to talk to the care home about how you can stay involved. Many homes welcome families and carers as partners in care. Some also have groups for relatives and carers to share experiences and feelings.
If you are still providing regular care, you may remain entitled to benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, as long as you provide at least 35 hours of care each week. Please see GOV.UK – Carer’s Allowance for more information. You may also have workplace rights, such as flexible working and time off for dependants. More information about your working rights can be found here on Carers UK’s website.
If the person you care for moves into residential care
Life after caring
Life after caring
Caring may have been a central part of your life. However, when it changes or ends, you may feel a gap. At first in your new life after caring, you might feel tired or unwell as exhaustion catches up with you. Resting and taking time for yourself is important.
Feeling isolated or lonely is also common, especially if caring has taken up much of your time. Staying in touch with family, friends, or others who knew your loved one can help. Finding a new routine can take time.
Even when your caring role has ended, support is still available. At the Carers’ Support Service we help support you through this change.
Later, when you feel ready, you might start exploring new opportunities. Meeting people, taking up hobbies, or volunteering can help rebuild confidence. Many carers later choose to use their knowledge and skills from caring in a new way. But there is no pressure, expectation, or rush to do this.
Changes to your benefits
When caring ends or changes, your benefits may also change. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit.
You may still receive Carer’s Allowance for up to eight weeks after the person’s death. If your financial situation changes, you may need a benefits check to make sure you receive the right support.
Changes to your benefits
If the person you cared for has died
If the person you cared for has died
Losing someone you care for is deeply emotional and life-changing. It is normal to feel sadness, shock, overwhelmed, or emptiness: everyone feels it differently. Grief can appear in many forms. You may also feel relief, guilt, anger, or confusion. All feelings are valid.
Even after the person passes, your caring experience remains important. Take time to reflect and acknowledge your role. During this time, it can help to take things one day at a time, or hour by hour. Give yourself space to adjust gradually. Be kind to yourself. It is natural to take time to adjusting to life without your loved one.
Emotions can change from day to day and that is normal too. Grieving has no fixed timeline. Many people find comfort in talking to someone who understands their experience. Family, friends, or support groups can help. Allow yourself moments of self-care. Eating well, resting, and gentle routines support your physical and emotional recovery.
You may find practical matters overwhelming at first.
Sorting finances, legal documents, and belongings can be easier with support. A little bit often may suit you better than trying to tackle everything at once.
Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can ease loneliness. Peer support groups or online communities are helpful.
Over time, you may consider new opportunities or ways to honour your caring experience. Small steps can feel meaningful.
You can access support both locally and nationally. Organisations offer advice, counselling, and guidance tailored for former carers.
Local and National Support Organisations
National Services:
- Cruse Bereavement Support – Free, confidential support for all ages.
- The Good Grief Trust – Directory of bereavement support services across the UK.
- At a Loss – Online information and support for grieving individuals.
- Mind – Guidance on coping with grief and seeking professional help.
Local Services in North and North East Lincolnshire:
- Fitmums & Friends – Bereavement support for adults and children, including grief activities.
- Childhood Bereavement Network – Local support for bereaved children and young people.
- Dawn Bereavement – Meet other bereaved people who have experienced a loss in Hull hospitals with a view to finding support through a shared experience of grief.
- Winston’s Wish – Online grief support for children and young people.
- The Help Project – North Lincolnshire Council – Support for recently bereaved residents. Downloadable guide from the Help Project can be found here
Local and National Support Organisations
Practical steps after caring ends
Practical steps after caring ends
When your caring role ends due to the death of a loved one, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Alongside your grief, you may face practical tasks that can feel overwhelming. Taking things step by step can help you manage this transition.
1. Register the Death and Notify Relevant Authorities
1. Register the Death and Notify Relevant Authorities
The first step is to register the death with the local registry office. This is a legal requirement and must be done within five days. Once registered, you can use the Tell Us Once service to inform various government departments about the death. This service simplifies the process by allowing you to report the death to multiple agencies at once.
For more information, visit the GOV.UK: What to do after someone dies page.
2. Arrange the Funeral
2. Arrange the Funeral
Planning a funeral can be emotionally challenging. It’s helpful to discuss your wishes with family members or a trusted friend. Funeral directors can guide you through the process, helping with arrangements and paperwork.
If you’re concerned about funeral costs, there may be financial assistance available. The Bereavement Advice Centre provides information on financial support and other practical matters.
3. Review Financial and Legal Matters
3. Review Financial and Legal Matters
After a death, it’s important to review the deceased’s financial and legal affairs. This includes checking bank accounts, insurance policies, and any outstanding debts. You may need to apply for probate if the deceased left a will.
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, confidential advice on a range of issues, including managing finances after a bereavement. The Citizens Advice Bureau can also advise on any carer benefits and rights that you have in place.
Information on Carer Benefits and rights can be found here – Citizens Advice Bureau
4. Seek Emotional Support
4. Seek Emotional Support
Grieving is a personal experience, and it’s okay to seek support. Talking to someone you trust can be comforting. If you’re finding it hard to cope, professional support is available.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: Offers free, confidential support for anyone affected by death, including former carers. Visit the Cruse website or call 0808 808 1677.
- The Good Grief Trust: Provides a directory of bereavement services across the UK.
- Mind: Offers guidance on coping with grief and loss, including self-care tips and information on seeking professional help.
5. Access Local Support in North and North East Lincolnshire
5. Access Local Support in North and North East Lincolnshire
Local services can provide tailored support during this time.
- LiveWell North Lincolnshire: Offers information and support services for residents, including bereavement support.
- The Help Project: Provides support for recently bereaved residents, including information packs and guidance (opens a pdf).
6. Take Care of Your Well-Being
6. Take Care of your Well-being
Amidst the challenges, it’s important to look after your physical and emotional health. Try to maintain a routine, eat well, and get enough rest. Exercise, even a short walk, can help improve your mood.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, speak to your GP. They can provide support or refer you to a mental health professional.
7. Plan Gradually for the Future
7. Plan Gradually for the Future
Allow yourself time before making major decisions. Explore volunteering, hobbies, education, or work opportunities.
Small steps help rebuild confidence and purpose.
Emotional Well-being and Support
When caring ends, grief and other emotions are normal. You may feel sadness, anger, guilt, or relief.
Emotions often change from day to day. Some days may feel heavier than others, and this is normal.
Talking to someone can help. Family, friends, or trusted peers can provide comfort and understanding.
Professional support is also available. Counsellors and therapists can help you process your feelings safely. Speak to your GP for futher information.
Emotional Well-being and Support
Exploring new opportunities
Exploring New Opportunities
Life after caring offers the chance to explore new interests and opportunities.
- Volunteering: Consider volunteering as a way to use your skills and experience while making a positive impact in your community. See our Volunteering page for more information
- Further Education or Training: If you’re interested in learning new skills or pursuing further education, explore local courses and training programmes. Our Planning for the Future – Education page has more information on this area
- Employment: If you’re considering returning to work, seek advice on job opportunities and support for former carers entering the workforce. More information can be found here on our Planning for the Future – Employment page
- Hobbies, clubs, etc. There is a lot happening in our community. You just need to reach out. Information in North Lincolnshire can be found here, on the LiveWell website. In North East Lincolnshire, the community Spotlight NEL Connect website can be found here.
Other useful resources and further reading
- National Helplines – Immediate advice and support can be accessed through UK bereavement and mental health helplines.
- Online Forums and Communities – Safe spaces to share experiences and gain insights from other carers who have gone through similar transitions.
- Carers UK: Offers comprehensive resources on coping with bereavement, residential care, end-of-life planning, and life after caring.
- Carers Trust: Provides information on managing the changes to your life when your caring role comes to an end, including guidance on grief and benefits.
- Age UK: Offers advice on what to do when your caring role changes or ends, covering emotional, practical, and financial considerations.
Resources and further reading
Final thoughts
Remember, transitioning out of a caring role is a significant change.
It’s okay to seek support and take time to adjust.
You’re not alone.
There are resources and communities ready to assist you.
Carers’ Support Service is here to make sure unpaid carers are seen, supported and never left to struggle alone.
The Carers’ Support Centre
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