Who are unpaid carers?
"An unpaid carer provides support or looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of frailty, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.”
Am I an unpaid carer?
It is important for unpaid carers to recognise their role and be able to access the support they need and are entitled to.
If you are supporting someone - whether it's emotionally, physically or both - you are an unpaid carer, even if you don’t think of yourself as one. The person you care for could be your husband, wife or partner, family member, friend or neighbour.
Examples of the support carers provide could include:
- Washing and dressing
- Shopping
- Cooking
- Laundry or housework
- Taking someone to appointments
- Helping with medication
- Keeping someone company
- Emotional support.
If you provide any of this support, you are an unpaid carer.
There is no minimum amount of time you need to support someone for, and you don’t need to be living with the person you care for.
Identifying as a carer is the first step towards receiving support. There are around 7 million carers in the UK - that’s 1 in 10 people - so you’re not alone.
The realities of caring
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but also can be difficult and stressful. It can affect your health and wellbeing, and mean you have less time for your own interests and hobbies.
For some, caring happens suddenly - for example, a family member is taken ill unexpectedly.
For others, it happens slowly, and you may not even know it’s happening - for example, a family member's health is getting gradually worse and they can't manage on their own anymore.
Unpaid carers often face many challenges, including worries about finances, maintaining their career and their own aspirations. This is why ensuring carers are identified and have access to the right support is crucial.