Definition of a 'Carer'

Carers in Camden

What do we mean when we say ‘carer’?
A carer is a person who is unpaid and looks after or supports someone else who needs help with their day-to-day life, because of:

• their age
• a long-term illness
• disability
• mental health problems
• substance misuse

As a carer, you may help with tasks such as getting up and going to bed, washing, dressing, using the toilet, shopping, cleaning, laundry and making meals. The care may mean keeping an eye on people who are confused or at risk if not supervised, or encouraging them to do everyday things for themselves.

Carers may be family members, including children and young people, who live with the person they care for, or family, friends or neighbours who live elsewhere.

The term ‘carer’ does not include any carer who:

• gets payment either in cash or in another way for the care they provide
• works as a volunteer on behalf of a voluntary organisation.