Are you a Carer?
Anyone could be a carer – a 5-year-old girl looking after a parent with an alcohol problem, a 40-year-old man caring for his partner who has terminal cancer, or an 80-year-old woman looking after her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Carers in the UK
Millions are already affected by caring responsibilities in the UK. With roughly one in ten people, or around seven million, currently acting as carers, the numbers are steadily rising. Projections suggest an additional 3.4 million carers by 2030, bringing the total to a staggering 60% increase. This isn’t solely a woman’s responsibility either, with 42% of carers being men. The economic impact of this dedication is undeniable, with carers contributing an estimated £132 billion annually to the UK.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
What is the difference between a Carer and a Carer Support Worker?
A Carer is someone who provides informal or unpaid care and support to someone such as a family member or friend. A Carer Support Worker or care worker is someone who is paid to care for someone who is ill or disabled. The care worker may assist and support the person with daily living tasks, such as washing or dressing.
Are you a Carer?
If you look after someone who is ill, disabled, has mental health problems, or uses drugs or alcohol, and they could not manage without your help then you are a carer. You might be looking after someone close to you who needs help and support on a regular basis. Anyone can be a carer, at any time of their life.
The role of a Carer
People take on caring responsibilities for different reasons. These can include:
- Chronic illness or physical disability
- Neurological conditions or mental health problems
- Dementia and memory-related illnesses
- Addiction and dependency
- Learning difficulties and autism
- Developmental disabilities in children and adults
Each carer’s experience is unique to their own circumstances. Carers carry out a variety of tasks, including:
- Practical household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing up, ironing, paying bills, and financial management.
- Personal care such as bathing, dressing, lifting, administering medication, and collecting prescriptions.
- Emotional support such as listening, offering advice and friendship.
There is no minimum time requirement or age restriction that ‘qualifies’ someone as being more or less of a carer. Someone in their seventies who cares 24/7 for their spouse with dementia is a carer. So is a child who gives emotional support to a parent when their mental health requires it. The two situations are very different but both are common examples of the seven million carers in the UK today.
Request support
Our online referral system makes it easy to find the help you need. Simply fill in the appropriate referral form, and we’ll be in touch to assess your needs.
