What is a carer?
A carer is someone who takes regular, on-going care of a family member or friend who needs help due to illness, age or disability. A carer can be anyone – of either sex, or any age - and is generally unpaid.
Lots of carers do not like the term; they see their role as a natural extension of the relationship they have with someone important to them. Some do not like to be labelled in this way and others don’t like to ask for help and so go unnoticed. For these reasons, a large number of carers are not identified as such, together with the fact that professionals often fail to recognise the role. In many countries, however, there is a growing awareness of the importance of carers in society, particularly as life expectancy rises, and so carers are deservedly gaining more recognition.
Many people become carers because they want to help a relative, friend or loved-one or perhaps there is no one else who can assume the role so they have little choice. For many it can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a hard life. Often the responsibilities and tasks involved are extensive and if finances are tight, or the carer feels isolated or has their own health problems, caring for another person can be difficult. People often become carers in later life, perhaps in their 60s or 70s, which can make it more physically and mentally challenging too.
