Who is a carer?
A carer is defined by Carers Trust as:
Anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction.
We recognise caring as something people do, not something that defines who they are, in line with the approach promoted by Carers Trust.
Carers’ lives and roles are diverse. Caring can happen at any stage of life and often begins when people do not expect it. People may move in and out of caring roles over time, and their needs and circumstances can change. They may also have little or no choice in taking on caring duties.
Carers include adults, children from as young as 5 years old, young people, parents and kinship carers (who care for children whose parents are unable to). Some carers recognise themselves as carers, while others may not, particularly where caring is seen as part of family life.
The amount of time people spend caring can vary widely. As can the type of support they provide and who they care for.
Further information about different caring roles can be found on the Carers Trust website.
Who are people caring for?
- Mother or mother in law - 34%
- Husband, wife or partner - 18%
- Father or father-in-law - 16%
- Son or daughter - 14%
- Friend - 10%
- Grandparent - 7%
- Brother or sister - 7%
- Neighbour - 4%
- Other family member - 4%
- Someone else - 2%
- Grandchild or great grandchild - 1%
Source: Health Survey for England 2019.
What tasks are carers performing?
- Keeping people company - 69%
- Keeping an eye on them and other practical help - 67%
- Physical help - 34%
- Giving medicines - 30%
- Personal care - 28%
- Dealing with care services and benefits - 26%
Source: Health Survey for England 2019.