A carer might be someone who:
· looks after another person
· provides emotional support for someone in their own home
· helps to make their meals
· helps them with washing, feeding or dressing
· makes sure that medication is taken or collected on time
· is the parent of a disabled child
· helps a relative: e.g. mum or dad, brother or sister because they are ill or disabled
If you do any of the above, or anything similar for a family member or friend who needs assistance as a result of age, frailty, physical, emotional or learning disability, or who has mental health needs, abuses drugs or alcohol, then you can be seen as that person’s carer, even though you may feel that you are only doing what you need to do to keep that person safe and well.
A carer can be of any age, including those under the age of 18 (who are often described as young carers) and also includes the parents of disabled children.