From 8–14 June 2026, organisations across the UK will mark Carers Week, an annual campaign that raises awareness of caring, recognises the contribution of unpaid carers and highlights the challenges they face. This year's theme is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, focusing on creating places where carers are recognised, understood and supported.
At Coles Miller, we recognise the vital role carers play in supporting family members, friends and loved ones. Many carers provide invaluable assistance while balancing employment, family responsibilities and their own wellbeing.
However, caring responsibilities can often bring legal, financial and practical challenges that many people are unprepared for.
Who is a carer?
Many people do not think of themselves as carers.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability, frailty, mental health issues or addiction.
Across the UK, millions of people provide unpaid care every day, often without recognising themselves as carers or accessing the support available to them. Carers Week aims to raise awareness of their contribution and help people identify the assistance they may be entitled to receive.
The challenges carers face
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally and financially demanding.
Many carers find themselves juggling work alongside their caring responsibilities. Others may reduce their working hours or leave employment altogether to support a loved one. Research continues to highlight the impact caring can have on a person's health, finances and career opportunities.
In addition to the practical demands of caring, families are often faced with important legal decisions concerning finances, healthcare and future planning.
Carers and the workplace
In recent years, there has been greater recognition of the challenges faced by working carers.
The introduction of statutory Carer's Leave rights represented an important step forward, giving eligible employees the right to take time off work to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need.
While these rights provide welcome support, many carers continue to face difficult decisions about balancing employment with their caring responsibilities. Further discussions are ongoing nationally about how working carers can be better supported in the future.
If you are a carer and are experiencing difficulties at work, obtaining early legal advice can help you understand your rights and the options available to you.
Planning ahead: Lasting Powers of Attorney
One of the most important steps families can take when a loved one is diagnosed with a progressive condition such as dementia, Parkinson's disease or another serious illness is to put appropriate legal arrangements in place.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows an individual to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf should they lose the ability to do so in the future.
There are two types of LPA. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows someone to manage matters such as bank accounts, bills and property. A Health and Welfare LPA allows decisions to be made about care, medical treatment and day-to-day wellbeing if the individual loses mental capacity.
Putting these arrangements in place early can provide peace of mind for both the individual and their family.
When an LPA is not in place
Unfortunately, many families only discover the importance of Powers of Attorney when it is too late to put one in place.
If a person loses mental capacity without an LPA, loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. This process can be more time-consuming, costly and complex than creating an LPA while capacity remains.
Our specialist Private Client team regularly supports families through deputyship applications and Court of Protection matters, helping them navigate what can be a stressful and emotional process.
Supporting carers through difficult times
Carers often find themselves making important decisions on behalf of loved ones while dealing with emotional and practical pressures.
At Coles Miller, we understand that every family's circumstances are different. Our solicitors provide clear, practical and compassionate advice on a range of matters that commonly affect carers, including:
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Deputyship applications
- Court of Protection matters
- Wills and estate planning
- Care fee planning
- Employment issues affecting working carers.
By planning ahead and understanding your legal options, it is possible to reduce uncertainty and ensure the right protections are in place for the future.
How Coles Miller can help
We recognise the extraordinary contribution carers make to their families and communities every day.
Whether you are caring for an elderly parent, a partner, a child or another loved one, our experienced team can help you navigate the legal issues that often arise alongside caring responsibilities.
If you would like advice on Powers of Attorney, deputyships, employment rights or future planning, please contact Coles Miller. We are here to help you make informed decisions and provide reassurance when you need it most.
