A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help due to illness, disability, mental ill health or a substance misuse problem.
A carer may assist someone with 1 or more of the following duties:
- washing, dressing or taking medicines
- getting out and about and travelling to doctors' appointments
- shopping, cleaning and laundry
- paying bills and organising finances.
Carers can also give emotional support by:
- sitting with someone to keep them company
- watching over someone if they can't be left alone.
Do any of the following statements sound familiar?
- I have a disabled child, sibling or family member whom I help in some capacity.
- I visit someone in need regularly; they couldn't cope without that interaction from me.
- I take my neighbour to medical appointments; I often go in with them and help explain what the doctor has said.
- I do the housework for my elderly parent once a week because they are too frail to manage on their own.
- I take meals to my friend daily so I know they're getting a balanced diet; they have a mental illness and can't manage to cook.
- my parent suffers from anxiety and depression, which often leaves them in a state of panic. I am there for them whenever they need me, listening and discussing their worries about each day.
If you recognise yourself in a situation similar to any of those above, with any relative, friend or neighbour, you may be a carer and we can help to support you.