What is a carer?
You are a carer if you are responsible for providing or arranging care for someone else who cannot care for themselves. A carer is not paid for their role, and is different from a paid professional like a care worker or home help.
You may already describe or think of yourself as a carer. However, you may not be sure if you are a carer or you may not like to use the term.
This booklet is relevant to you if you are supporting:
- A family member such as your child, parent, sibling, or other relative
- Your partner
- A friend
- A neighbour
You may provide a range of support, including:
- Giving emotional support
- Helping someone cope with a mental health problem
- Cooking and cleaning
- Personal care, like washing and going to the toilet
- Budgeting and looking after finances
- Giving medicine or providing medical care
- Interpreting for someone who is deaf or who does not have Chinese/ English as the first language
- Reading information and filling in forms for someone who has literacy or concentration difficulties
Anyone can become a carer, no matter their age, gender or background. You may care for someone who has a long-term health condition or someone who needs support after an accident or sudden illness. The care you provide could be short- or long-term. You may or may not live with the person you are a carer for.
“I was completely unaware that what I was doing was a carer role and of the effect it was having on me. I didn’t think about reaching out for support for myself. “
