Am I A Carer?

You might not think of yourself as a carer, but if you regularly support someone who couldn’t manage without your help — whether due to illness, disability, or age — then you might be one. Recognising this role is the first step toward accessing the support and recognition you deserve.

What Is a Carer?

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care or support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who needs help with daily life, and couldn't manage without that help. This could be because of a physical disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, learning difficulty, or problems related to ageing. Unlike professional care workers, carers don’t get paid — their motivation is love, loyalty, or duty.

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Why You Might Not Realise You’re a Carer

Many people who care for others don’t see themselves as carers — they’re just being a good partner, parent, child, or friend. The line between caring and family responsibilities can be blurred. For example, a spouse supporting a partner with a chronic condition may think it’s simply part of marriage. A parent caring for a disabled child might see it as an extension of parenthood. Adult children helping ageing parents often describe it as “just what families do.”

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But when these responsibilities become ongoing and essential to someone else’s daily wellbeing, that’s caring — even if it’s done out of love or habit. Recognising this doesn’t diminish your relationship; it simply acknowledges the extra emotional and practical load you’re carrying.

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You Might Be a Carer If You…

• Help someone wash, dress, or get around the house
• Manage another person’s medication or healthcare appointments
• Do their shopping, cleaning, or cooking
• Help them communicate, use transport, or deal with forms and finances
• If the person you help couldn't manage without your help

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Think about who would provide that help if you weren't there and another family member couldn't step in - would you need to hire a professional care worker? Or if you're a parent, think about who would look after your child if you had a day away - would you hire a babysitter, or would you need more specialist help? If so, then you might be an unpaid carer!

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Why It Matters to Recognise You’re a Carer

Understanding and claiming your identity as a carer can make a real difference. If you come to realise that your role is that of an unpaid carer, you can start to access support designed for you in that role, including:

• Accessing financial support such as Carer’s Allowance
• Requesting flexible working arrangements from your employer
• Receiving information, respite services, and emotional support tailored to your needs
• Connecting with other carers through local groups

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Understanding that yes, you are a carer, is a step towards recognising your unique challenges and getting the help you need.

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What to Do Next

If you're new to your caring role, or you've realised that your help to someone else qualifies you as a carer, read our guide on how to register as a carer — a few simple steps could open doors to the help you might not realise you've been missing.

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About the National Carers Card

The National Carers Card is a form of visual identification for carers across the UK. Designed to support and acknowledge the invaluable role of carers, the card also helps with accessing discounts and other benefits that make daily life a little easier. Founded by carers in 2019, the National Carers Card is part of a social enterprise for good dedicated to supporting carers and their families.