Caring for those with fibromyalgia
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- Category: Useful Information
- Published on Saturday, 31 May 2025 17:04
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Fibromyalgia affects more than those that are diagnosed with the condition. It can impact the family as a whole by reducing the family income or putting the burden of chores onto other family members. It can also, require some family members to provide a caring role to a parent, a sibling, a partner or to a son or daughter.
Our information has information booklet has a section called For those who care that talks about the challenges of caring for a person who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It covers the following areas.
- Initial reactions and questions that someone will have
- Good and bad days and the impact of treatments
- Making the most of good days
- Working as a team
- Importance of communication
We plan to improve the content that we have for carers and fibromyalgia.
Carer Support
If you provide support for someone with fibromyalgia for at least 35 hours a week, then you will be entitled to Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment in Scotland. To qualify, you will need to be over 16 and is not means tested.
You may be able to apply for extra money from grants or benevolent funds, or get money off your TV licence or car tax. More info here.
When you have caring responsibilities, it can be really helpful to prove your role to access some types of services and support. This can be useful for many reasons, from receiving discounts to receiving special assistance or a bit of extra support from professional and public services.
A Carer's allowance award letter or a letter from your GP can help you ontain this support or you can have a carers assessment carried out.
You can also obtain a CEA card that allows a carer to have a free ticket to the cinema when accompanying the person they care for.
Support for Carers
Caring for someone can put pressure on the carer, and they may need some support at certain times. The organisations below offer information and support.
It is important to seek support as early as possible and not sacrifice your own health so you can continue to be there and effectively support your loved one.
- Carers UK - A national charity that provides information, advice, and support to carers. They also advocate for carer rights and work to improve services for carers.
- The Carers Trust - This organisation offers support and information to unpaid carers and works to improve the lives of carers through various programs and initiatives.
- Many local authorities have their own carers' centres that provide support, advice, and resources tailored to the local community.
- Mind - Learn how to manage your own wellbeing while caring for someone else.
Support Resources
You can find out more about our helplines and support groups here including any notice due to holidays or closures.