A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help
and support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, who
could not manage without their help due to age, physical or mental
illness, addiction or disability.
Anyone can become a carer and carers come from all walks of
life, all cultures and can be of any age. 0ver 3 in 5 people
in the UK will become carers at some time in their lives.
Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer - they are
just looking after someone who needs help and getting on with what
needs to be done. Whilst most people who look after relatives
or friends are happy to do so caring for someone can be
demanding.
There is a range of help available to support carers so being
identified as a carer can be important to help you get the extra
support you may need to continue in your caring role.
Adult Care Services provide services to older or disabled people
if they are eligible for support and can provide services to
support carers who provide or intend to provide a substantial
amount of care on a regular basis. We also fund a range of other
organisations to provide support and information to carers.
The information here aims to give carers an idea of the range of
services available to them and who to contact for further
information but it is not a complete guide to services for
carers.
More information, advice and support for carers is available
from the
NHS Carers Direct website.
