Caring for someone

Find out what it means to be a carer, what your rights are, and how to get support.

You can also get this information on our easy to read pages and in other languages.

What does 'carer' mean?

The term carer refers to anyone who cares for another person and is not paid for it.

Caring duties can range from helping someone with the shopping to giving 24-hour care.

• What’s it like being a carer?: a carer tells us what it’s like to look after someone.

How to get support

• How to get financial support: information and advice on money and benefits available if you look after someone.
• How to get a short break: how to take a break from caring and get help to look after the person you’re caring for.
• Information for young carers: where to go for information and support if you’re a young carer.
• Useful links: other websites with information about caring.