If you look after someone who cannot cope without support, and you don’t get paid for it, you are a carer.
If you’re not sure, consider how your loved one would manage if you were not supporting them. That support means something different to each person, but could include helping them to:
- Move around at home, such as getting out of bed
- Carry out personal care e.g. washing and dressing
- Manage everyday activities e.g. preparing meals or making appointments
- Get out and about e.g. picking up prescriptions or getting to appointments
- Cope with symptoms of mental illness
If the person’s physical or mental health would get worse without your support, you could be considered a carer.
Using the word ‘carer’
Some people may not like to use the term carer as they are, first and foremost, family members or friends. However, it can be helpful to identify as a carer. This can allow you to access support and information for both you and the person you support.
Some people prefer to use the term caregiver instead of carer.
If you identify as a carer, you are still a family member or friend with a personal relationship to the person you support. Being a carer doesn’t take this away.
Information provided by Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It’s intended as general information only. APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on actionpf.org.
Further information for carers:
