A carer is someone who provides unpaid care or support to a partner, child, family member, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without your help, due to illness or a disability.
Many people who care for someone do not necessarily see themselves as carers.
You could be a:
- mother or father
- son or daughter
- child or young person
- husband, wife or partner
- friend or neighbour
It can take average of two years for someone to acknowledge their role as a carer. You can be considered a carer if you help someone with one or more of the following:
- washing and dressing
- taking medication
- cleaning and laundry
- shopping or taking people to appointments
- providing lifts and arranging transport
- keeping someone company
Caring can be difficult both physically and emotionally and it is important that you make time to look after yourself.