General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Regularly helping someone close to you with appointments, paperwork or daily activities may make you a carer. You can raise your own need for support before becoming exhausted.
When helping someone, it is common to put your own health aside. Assurance Maladie can help you protect it and seek support for your needs, the other person’s needs or both.
To prepare the discussion, note the help you regularly provide, what is becoming difficult and what a break could ease. These notes help describe your needs; they are not an official list of required documents.
You can request support by booking an appointment through your own ameli account, calling 36 46 (free service; call charges apply), or visiting your health insurance office, the CPAM.
Depending on your situation, an adviser may refer you to a respite support service. It may offer listening, psychological support and help arranging a break from caring, such as temporary care or help at home. Appropriate options still need to be checked.
If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, the treating doctor can advise the family and discuss breaks. In this context, unusual fatigue, insomnia or anxiety are also reasons to consult your own doctor.
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Your health review
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Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.