Carers
You are a carer if you are spending a substantial amount of time on a regular basis looking after or supporting a relative, partner or friend who:
is unable to live independently and who cannot manage without your help.
Carers are people of all ages including children, young people and parent carers. The looked after person may need help because they:
- are very frail
- have a physical disability
- have a learning disability
- have a mental health problem
- have a physical health problem
Carers help out in a number of ways, such as assisting someone with:
- dressing
- bathing
- shopping
- cooking
- cleaning
- getting about
Some carers help by keeping an eye on someone to try and make sure that they:
- do not harm themselves
- take their medication properly and
- get other help if things get worse
For some carers, such as those caring for people with mental illness or learning disabilities caring may be about constantly reassuring and encouraging or keeping an eye on the person.
Caring for someone can be rewarding especially when you can see the person is well and living safely at home; but it is often hard work leaving carers exhausted and feeling that they have no life of their own.