Do you provide care for your family?

You may not think of yourself as a carer, because you see the care you give as a normal part of being a good relative or friend.

This is more common when your caring responsibilities have grown gradually. However, most carers are in fact relatives and friends of the person. The term ‘carer’ applies to all of the following situations:

• A relative or friend who provides substantial home care and support to another adult who has ill health (either physical or mental), a disability, or problems related to drugs or alcohol misuse.  
• A parent looking after a child with disabilities or a long term medical condition.
• A young person or a child caring for an adult.

Carers are unpaid. They can be any age, but the majority are over the age of 50.  It is not unusual for carers to suffer from ill health or have their own disabilities including learning disabilities. This makes it even more important that they have the home care and support that they need.