If you look after a relative, partner or friend of any age, who needs help due to a physical or mental illness or disability, frailty or an addiction, then you are a carer. The care you provide is unpaid and:
- you may be new to caring or have been caring for many years. You may have taken on a caring role gradually or become a carer overnight (for example, due to a relative’s hospital admission);
- the care you provide may involve: practical help (such as household chores, shopping, taking to and from appointments) or personal care (helping with medication or bathing) or supervision (at meal times and around the home) or emotional support (listening and talking) ;
- you may live with the person you care for, or you may be travelling a long distance from your own home to look after someone, for example, an elderly relative.
If you are a carer click here to let us know.
