Carers look after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is unpaid.
A carer is someone who gives help and support to a relative, child, spouse,partner, sibling, parent, neighbour or friend who, due to disability, illness or frailty, is unable to manage living in their own home without help.
Carers are unpaid, may be of any age and they may live with, or apart from,the cared for person.
The tasks they undertake include:
Washing
Dressing
Toileting
Feeding
Shopping
Laundry
Administering /monitoring medication
Assisting with exercise
Supervising
Providing companionship
Maintaining contact with family and friends
Dealing with correspondence
Looking after finances and legal affairs
Taking to hospital and GP appointments
Carers fall into the following categories:
Adult carers: an adult caring for another adult such as a husband or wife, partner, friend or relative
Parent carers of children with disabilities: an adult who cares for a child with a long-term illness or a disability
Young carers: a young person under the age of 18, who is in some way affected by the need to take physical, practical and/or emotional responsibility for the care of another person.