You are a carer if you provide help and support to a relative, partner or friend who is unable to live independently and cannot manage without your help. Carers often do not realise that support is available for them.
People of all ages are carers, including children. The person being cared for may:
- be very frail
- have a physical disability
- have a learning disability
- have a mental health problem
- have a physical health problem
- have any combination of the above
- be any age
Carers help people in a number of ways, including:
- dressing
- bathing
- shopping
- cooking
- cleaning
- getting about
- doing paperwork
- managing finances and benefits
- collecting medication
- booking GP or hospital appointments
- offering reassurance and encouragement
Some carers provide support by watching over someone to make sure they:
- do not harm themselves
- take their medication properly
- get more help if things get worse