Being a carer
You are a carer if you provide unpaid assistance, support or care to someone who is physically or mentally disabled, has a long-term illness or is frail.
Carers are men and women, young and old, from all backgrounds. Young people may also find themselves in a caring role, often for a parent or sibling.
Caring can give great satisfaction, but there can also be feelings of isolation, guilt, resentment, anger, stress, depression and exhaustion.
You may not immediately recognise yourself as a carer, and may ignore your own needs. It can also be difficult to insist that other people (including the person you are caring for) recognise your need for support, understanding, and even a break from caring.
Whatever your situation, it is not reasonable for anyone to expect you to be a carer without help.
These pages tell you more about the support and advice that is available to you.
Further information is also available in the Carers Handbook|.