Carers

What is meant by a ‘carer’? 

Carer 

A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness.

Parent carers

A  parent of a disabled child often see themselves as parents rather than carers but may be entitled to additional services.

Young carers

this means carers who are under the age of 18.  The person receiving the care is often a parent but can be a brother or sister, grandparent or other relative who needs support.  (There are estimated to be between 20,000 and 50,000 young carers in the UK)