A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care for a friend or family member who is ill, elderly, disabled, has a mental health problem or is affected by substance misuse.
A Young Carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who provides emotional or practical support to a parent, sibling or other family member that goes above and beyond what is expected for a person of that age.
Caring tasks may include:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, doing the housework and shopping.
- Personal care, such as dressing, washing, helping to use the toilet
- Physical care, such as lifting, helping the cared for with their mobility
- Managing finances such as collecting benefits, managing budgets, contributing to household income
- Medical support such as administering medication, collecting prescriptions, accompanying the cared for to medical appointments
- Looking after or “parenting” younger siblings.
- Providing emotional support
A Young Adult Carer is a carer who is between the ages of 16 and 25.
A Parent Carer is a carer who has a child under the age 19 who has a disability or additional learning needs.