Am I a Carer?

Many Carers do not recognise themselves as a ”Carer”.

• You are a carer if you provide care and support, unpaid, to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour, who needs this help due to reasons of ill health, physical or learning disability, frailty or mental illness.
• A Carer does not necessarily live with the person for whom they provide care.

Carers Direct

For a wealth of information about being a carer, including a step-by-step guide to getting the support you need, as well as real life examples of carers’ lives, please view the national Carers Direct website, part of NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx)

If You Are a Carer

If you are a Carer it is important that you also take care of yourself:

• Make sure your doctor and other health professionals are aware of your caring responsibilities.
• If you are in work you may wish to check with your employer about flexible working opportunities.
• Ensure you are receiving all benefits to which you are entitled
• Ask Adult Social Care how they can help.

Young Carers

Carers aged under 18yrs who care for an adult should see the section for Young Carers.