What is a carer?
A carer is anyone who helps and supports somebody who due to an illness, disability or mental health problem, cannot cope without their support.
The person you care for could be a:
- husband, wife or partner
- family member such as a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter
- friend or neighbour
This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally or through a voluntary organisation.
What carers do
The support you provide could be:
- washing and dressing
- shopping and food preparation
- helping with laundry or housework
- taking someone to regular appointments
- keeping someone company
- helping someone take medication
- provide emotional support
Many people are carers without knowing it.
Once you recognise that you are a carer, you can get the support and information you need. This could include practical, emotional or financial support.
Finding help and support in Suffolk
Adult and Community Services work with the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to provide support for carers from Suffolk Family Carers and Alzheimer's Society. Both are valuable sources of information, advice and support for family carers on a whole range of issues.
You can use our website to find more information about:
- financial support for carers
- health and wellbeing support for carers
- breaks for carers
- carers assessments
- Family Carer Emergency Plan
Further national information, advice and guidance
- The Care Act 2014 including factsheet 8: the law for carers
- Suffolk County Council subscribe to Carers UK resources. You can find information for unpaid carers including who are in employment
- Alzheimer’s Society including Carers: looking after yourself