Parents looking after a child with a physical or learning disability or a life-limiting condition don’t often see themselves as carers.

Being the parent of a child with a disability can bring added pressures and problems. The time you spend looking after your child may well go far beyond that of most parents. You may also find it difficult to find the most appropriate help and support for you and your child and you may have to face the huge uncertainties, stresses and challenges of managing your child’s condition.

Research shows that it can cost almost three times more to bring up a child with a disability, compared with other children. This, added to the fact that many parents of disabled children are unable to work because of caring responsibilities, means that there is a high risk of poverty.

As a parent carer you may need information about:

  • where to find help and support, including childminding and respite care
  • clubs and activities suited to your child’s needs
  • support for yourself
  • benefits for you and your child
  • other sources of funding for essential items or equipment

How we support parent carers

Carers Bucks provides specific support and advice to parents of children under 18 who have physical, learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. As a parent you may meet a number of professionals all looking after the needs of your child. At Carers Bucks we are here to look at after your needs and to support you as a carer.

We support parent carers in a number of ways: