Carers are people who look after relatives or friends who can’t manage at home without help. This is usually because of age, illness or disability. Anyone can be a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Many would not use the term carer. They just see themselves as doing their duty for their mother, child or best friend.

You might not think of yourself as a carer but if, for example, you look after:

• a parent who needs help with shopping, cooking and cleaning;
• a husband, wife or partner who has a health condition that means they need help with daily tasks;
• a son or daughter who has a learning disability;
• a brother or sister who has mental health problems;

…then you are a carer.

You don’t have to live with the person you provide assistance to. You might be juggling work and caring responsibilities or be caring ‘at a distance’ for an elderly relative who lives elsewhere.

Caring for someone can be a big responsibility. You may be taking on a caring role for the first time and don’t know what to expect. You are not alone. We are here to help you assess how your new caring situation is going to affect you.