Carers

According to the last Census in 2011, 6.5 million people in the UK are providing unpaid care (Census 2011).

Carers UK estimates that the number of unpaid carers has risen to 10.6 million (Carers UK, Carers Week 2022 research report). This means that 1 in 5 adults in the UK are currently providing care.

 

What is a Carer?

A carer can be anyone, of any age, even someone under 18 (often known as a young carer).

A parent of a disabled child or young person could also classed as a carer.
 
There are lots of people who are carers, but some find it difficult to see themselves in this role.

Some people do not want to labelled as a carer, as for them, being a carer is part of normal, everyday life. As a result, they often don’t realise that there is support available for them as well as the person they care for.

 

Am I a Carer? 

If you're not sure, have a look at the short quiz below.

Read the statements and give yourself 1 point for each that applies to you. 

 

1. Helping out with day-to-day domestic tasks forms a large part of caring roles.
  • I’ve done their food shopping.
  • I’ve helped keep their home tidy.
  • I’ve helped them do their laundry.
2. Supporting a person when they’re outside their home can be part of being a carer, too.
  • I’ve helped them get out and about.
  • I’ve helped them travel to appointments.
  • I’ve helped them spend time with family or friends.
3. Sometimes caring involves doing things for people that they would normally do for themselves.
  • I’ve helped them to wash themselves.
  • I’ve helped them to get dressed.
  • I’ve helped them to take their medicine.
4. Caring can also involve helping with or taking control of a person’s finances.
  • I’ve helped them pay bills.
  • I’ve helped organise their finances.
  • I’ve helped them with budgeting.
5. Emotional support is also a big part of the support a carer provides.
  • I’ve sat with them to keep them company.
  • I’ve watched over them when they can’t be left alone.
  • I’ve visited, rung or texted them to check they’re feeling OK.

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If you scored 1 - 5,

you could be a carer.

If you scored 6 - 11,

it's likely you're a carer.

If you scored 12-15,

you could be a full-time carer.

There is lots of information, support and guidance available, and depending on your age, and the person you're caring for, you can find more information below.