Planning for the future

If you care for someone with an illness or disability, things are likely to change over time. The person might need more care in the future, or you might not be able to continue caring for them.

As a carer, you are probably caring for someone who will need care for a long time.

If you care for a child, both you and the person you care for will face new issues as they grow up and become more independent.

Advance care planning means talking to the person you care for about what care and health services they want in the future, if their condition gets worse. This planning means that their wishes can be followed even if they become too sick to make decisions or tell you what they want.

You can talk with the person you care for, to ask what they would like. You can talk with your family and doctor about the options available. 

‘Respite’ or ‘respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you care for, so that you can have a break. A break can give you time to do everyday activities or to relax, deal with stress and look after yourself.

At some time, your role as a carer might end. This might be when the person you care for recovers, when they die, or when they leave your care and other people take over the caring role. You may have to adjust to changes and ‘rebuild’ your life when you are no longer a carer.