What is an unpaid carer?
Being a carer is an important and rewarding role. Carers provide unpaid support to people who need help. This can include daily living arrangements due to disability, long-term conditions, and illness.
Anyone can become a carer at any point in their life. Often people have been caring for some time before identifying themselves as a 'carer'.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a person who cannot cope without help. This person may be a loved one, family member, friend, or neighbour. This could involve:
- Helping with personal care, such as washing.
- Supporting with cooking and household tasks.
- Providing companionship and emotional support.
- Helping with appointments or managing medication.
If you think you are or will become an unpaid carer, support is available:
- Look after yourself. Caring can be demanding. Prioritise your well-being, make time for yourself and seek help if you need it.
- Identify yourself. Register as an unpaid carer with Harrow Carers. You'll get clarity around your role and discover available support. Also speak to your GP to access regular health checks. See Carer Registrations
- Access support. Find free advice, and financial and emotional support. You'll also be able to build skills and networks around a life of caring. See Support for unpaid carers
- Request a carer's assessment. All unpaid carers can get a free assessment of their support needs. The assessment clarifies their situation, needs, and identifies available support. Some carers could access financial support such as a personal budget or carer's grant.
Caring for someone is a big responsibility. As an unpaid carer, you are not alone and we’re here to help.